Manitoba health authorities are looking into a serious incident following the passing of an 82-year-old woman who spent over 30 hours in emergency rooms at Winnipeg’s Grace and St. Boniface hospitals. Genevieve Price’s family reported that she initially sought care at a minor injury clinic due to a swollen hand.
According to a social media post by her daughter Michelle Price, who works as a nurse, clinic staff determined that Genevieve required IV antibiotics and more intensive treatment. She was subsequently transferred to Grace Hospital, where she was placed on a stretcher in a hallway and endured a prolonged wait, leading to a deterioration in her condition.
Afterward, Genevieve was moved to St. Boniface Hospital, where she eventually passed away. Michelle Price expressed her frustration in a post, stating, “My mom deserved better. We deserve better. We NEED better. The system is broken, and so is my heart.”
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, responsible for both hospitals, confirmed that Price’s death is under investigation as a critical incident, where individuals in Manitoba’s healthcare system suffer severe, unintended harm. Kerstin Jordan, the health authority’s chief officer for nursing, allied health, and quality, extended condolences to Price’s family and announced a thorough review to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara labeled Genevieve Price’s death as a ‘tragedy’ during a news conference, emphasizing the need for improvements and a comprehensive investigation to prevent such occurrences. Asagwara stressed the importance of ensuring that no family in Manitoba or elsewhere should ever go through a similar ordeal.
The tragic incident involving Genevieve Price’s extended wait at Winnipeg ERs for over 30 hours has sparked investigations and calls for improved healthcare practices to prevent future tragedies.