A man, aged 36, endured several days receiving treatment for brain swelling in a hospital hallway due to overcrowding at Royal University Hospital. Kay Roberts described the experience as frightening and the most alarming medical encounter he had ever faced. He sought medical help at the Saskatoon ER on August 4 after experiencing confusion and headaches, eventually leading to his admission to the hallway due to a lack of available space.
Roberts spent four nights and five days on a stretcher in the hallway, struggling with cognitive issues and confusion while undergoing medical procedures, including a plasma replacement that necessitated a tube insertion into his jugular vein. His family recounted how the cramped space posed challenges for the medical technician, who had to navigate around boxes of plasma while performing the critical procedure.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Roberts’ family acknowledged the dedication and skill of the medical staff who provided care. However, they emphasized the difficulties of practicing medicine in such conditions, expressing gratitude for the care received but highlighting the frustrations of the situation.
After spending a total of 10 days in the ER and makeshift overflow areas, Roberts was eventually transferred to the neurology ward for further treatment. His family and healthcare providers navigated through the stressful situation, with his mother Maureen Roberts commending the exceptional care provided by the nurses despite the less-than-ideal environment.
During a news conference, NDP health critic Keith Jorgenson condemned the situation, deeming it unacceptable for complex medical procedures to be conducted in a hallway. He called for an apology to the family and urged Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill to visit the hospital’s emergency department to witness the conditions firsthand.
In response, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) expressed willingness to engage with the patient to gain insights from their experience. The SHA reassured ongoing efforts to address capacity challenges, improve emergency room wait times, and enhance flow within Saskatoon hospitals. Plans are in place to expand acute care capacity, including adding 109 inpatient beds at Saskatoon City Hospital in the upcoming year.