Inquest into Indigenous Woman's ER Death

0:00It's March 27. You're listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news. An inquest is set to start next week into the 2021 death of 24-year-old Heather Wintersdine and Indigenous woman from the Cayuga. Nation with ties to six nations of the Grand River. She passed away in St. Catharines, Ontario, just after a hospital emergency room visit. Wintersdine first went to the Marata Family Hospital on December 9, 2021, complaining of severe back pain. Staff gave her Tylenol and sent her home that day. The next day, she returned to the emergency department, collapsed in the waiting room, and later died despite further care. The chiefs of Ontario have drawn attention to her case, pointing to concerns around emergency room treatment for Indigenous patients and the need for better protocols. Ontario's West Region Supervising Corner, Dr. Karen Schiff, will oversee the proceedings which begin Monday morning and run for 13 days, with about 22 witnesses.

1:02This review aims to clarify what happened and recommend any changes to prevent similar tragedies.