Two healthcare professionals in Dauphin, Manitoba, have been penalized by their regulatory body for transporting a newborn to Winnipeg in a handivan, sparking concerns among healthcare leaders.
The complaints committee found that the actions of the individuals “had the potential to cause serious harm to the patient and the profession,” as one of them opted to drive the baby to Winnipeg instead of waiting for a ground ambulance.
This incident has brought attention to issues such as patient transfers, staffing shortages, and increasing call volumes, as highlighted by two healthcare unions.
On October 5, 2024, the newborn arrived at Dauphin Regional Health Centre, where it was decided that the baby needed to be transferred to Winnipeg’s Children’s Hospital, according to recent disciplinary decisions.
Initially, plans were made to use an air ambulance for the transfer, but due to adverse weather conditions, it was decided to wait for a ground ambulance instead.
Weather reports indicated fog and rain in the Dauphin area that day. Despite being approximately 250 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, the journey by road would take about three and a half hours.
Following a delay in transportation, the baby’s parents decided to take matters into their own hands and expressed a desire to transport the baby to Winnipeg themselves, against medical advice.
Subsequently, a manager, who was also a registered nurse, arranged for a handivan to transport the child, and a nurse agreed to accompany the baby on the journey.
Despite being stable, the baby’s condition was deemed suitable for transport by handivan, which was not in line with the established policies of the health center or the health authority, as per the decisions.
The nurse arrived at the hospital in Dauphin around 7:45 p.m. and departed approximately an hour later, without conducting a thorough assessment or emergency planning for the trip.
During the four-hour journey, the nurse monitored the baby’s vital signs, but an investigation revealed a drop in oxygen levels and heart rate. No further details on the baby’s condition were provided.
The nurse, with 10 years of experience, and the manager, with 20 years of experience, were both fined for their roles in the incident.
Concerns Raised About Paramedic Staffing
Healthcare professionals are raising concerns about paramedic staffing shortages, particularly in the Prairie Mountain Health region, leading to extended ambulance wait times.
The president of the union representing nurses highlighted challenges in patient transport in rural areas, emphasizing the need for improvements in the system to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba emphasized the importance of upholding professional standards while providing necessary support to nurses facing challenges.
The regulator stressed the need for resources to ensure frontline healthcare providers can meet high standards even in difficult circumstances.
The manager involved in the incident was advised to communicate with the family and advocate for the patient’s safe transfer, as per the decisions.</