Hospital Apologizes After Patient's Leg Amputated in Error

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Orders Independent Review of Grace Hospital

Southern Chiefs' Organization Calls for Public Inquiry

A Winnipeg hospital has apologized after a patient's leg was amputated in error. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has ordered an independent review of Grace Hospital, where the incident occurred. The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is calling for a public inquiry into the matter.

The patient, a 62-year-old Indigenous woman, was admitted to Grace Hospital in May 2020 with a broken leg. She was scheduled to have surgery to repair the break, but the surgeon amputated her leg instead.

The WRHA has apologized to the patient and her family, and has launched an investigation into the incident. The independent review will be conducted by Dr. David Peachey, a former chief medical examiner for Manitoba. The review will examine the circumstances surrounding the amputation and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The SCO is calling for a public inquiry into the matter. The SCO represents 34 First Nations in southern Manitoba. The organization says the amputation is a symptom of systemic racism in the health care system.

"This is a clear case of systemic racism," said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. "Indigenous people are over-represented in the health care system, and they are more likely to experience negative outcomes." Daniels said the public inquiry is needed to ensure that the patient receives justice and that the health care system is held accountable.

The WRHA has not yet decided whether to hold a public inquiry. The independent review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.