EMS head, pathologist to testify at inquest for Indigenous woman who died of sepsis in Ontario hospital
Posted on: Apr 17, 2026 18:28 IST | Posted by: Cbc
niagara falls wellness CEO acknowledges racial discrimination in wellness care at ER death inquest | Hanomansing Tonight
Testimony in the coroner’s inquest for Heather Winterstein is nearing its end, with proceedings today expected to hear again from an EMS commander who spoke yesterday about how busy the ambulance service was on Dec. 10, 2021.
Pearson testified the paramedic service was being overloaded with calls around that time. The inquest, which began March 30, previously heard that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to increasing patient loads and understaffing.
Winterstein, 24, was taken by ambulance to hospital twice, on Dec. 9 and 10, and faced lengthy emergency department waits. She died hours after collapsing while waiting to see a doctor.
During testimony by a triage nurse, it was learned that Winterstein had been suffering body pain for six days after a fall.
A hospital official was questioned yesterday about the ER doctor who saw Winterstein during her first hospital visit and sent her home with Tylenol, telling her to return to the hospital if she got worse.
Family, friends and a physician previously said they believe racism and bias affected the quality of care Winterstein received.
Also yesterday, Dr. Rafi Setrak, the regional chief of emergency medicine at Niagara Health, which runs the hospital (now named Marotta Family Hospital), testified the health system "failed" Winterstein.
Earlier this week, Niagara Health president and CEO Lynn Guerriero said, "There's absolutely systemic racism and Indigenous racism in health care.” But she said she's struggling to accept that anti-Indigenous racism played a part in Winterstein's death, because front-line medical staff who were involved in her care have said they didn't know she was Indigenous.
Scott Cronkwright, a peer support navigator who interacted with Winterstein on both Dec. 9 and 10 at the hospital, described how much pain she was in when he found her lying on the floor of the emergency waiting room on Dec. 10.
He said it was obvious Winterstein's condition was extremely serious and she should have had a bed instead of being in the waiting room.
The inquest was originally scheduled to hear witnesses for 13 days. It's not clear if testimony will conclude today or if it will stretch to Monday, when the charge to the jury is expected to take place.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.