Over a span of more than 24 hours, Guy Pollock was confined to a hospital bed in the corridor of Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
During his treatment for pneumonia, the 71-year-old estimated that over 2,000 individuals passed by him.
Pollock, who suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has a compromised immune system, described the experience as deeply distressing during an interview on Thursday.
He expressed his concerns, stating, “I have been avoiding contact with people for the past few years due to my respiratory issues, as even a common cold could be fatal for me.”
“Being confined to that corridor was a situation I dreaded, almost inducing a sense of panic.”
Residing in Watrous, a town roughly 90 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon, Pollock, self-identifying as “an old farmer,” recounted his ordeal.
On October 15, feeling breathless, Pollock dialed 911 for assistance.
Initially admitted to a local hospital in Watrous and diagnosed with pneumonia, he was later transferred to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Upon arrival, he was accommodated in an observation room briefly before being relocated to a hallway near the emergency section.
Expressing his discontent, Pollock mentioned, “I expressed my reluctance to stay in the hallway, but the nurses were hopeful about securing a room for me.”
However, Pollock remained in the hallway for more than 24 hours until he was eventually transferred to a bed at Saskatoon City Hospital.
Despite his ordeal, Pollock commended the healthcare staff for their efforts, acknowledging that they provided the best care possible.
Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “Despite the challenging conditions in the hallway, a nurse even mentioned that there are worse hallways in the hospital, a thought that baffles me.”
Government’s Response
On Thursday, Keith Jorgenson, the NDP associate health critic, visited Pollock to shed light on the persisting issue of overcrowding in Saskatoon hospitals.
During the provincial legislature’s question period, the NDP raised concerns about Pollock’s situation, prompting Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill to address the matter.
While Cockrill expressed empathy, citing his inability to speak directly with Pollock, he emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring high-quality healthcare for all residents.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Cockrill mentioned the allocation of