Winnipeg Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Botched Amputation

Southern Chiefs' Organization Calls for Investigation

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is calling for an investigation into Grace Hospital in Winnipeg after a patient alleged they had their wrong leg amputated.

Patient's Account

The patient, a First Nations woman from the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, claims she went to Grace Hospital in May 2022 for a below-knee amputation on her left leg due to complications from diabetes.

However, she alleges that the surgeon mistakenly amputated her right leg instead. She is now suing the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) for negligence.

WRHA's Response

The WRHA has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, but in a statement to CBC News, the health authority said it is aware of the allegations and is "taking them very seriously."

The WRHA added that it is "committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all of our patients" and that it is "reviewing the matter thoroughly."

SCO's Concerns

The SCO is concerned about the alleged incident and is calling for an independent investigation to ensure that the patient receives justice and that systemic issues within the healthcare system are addressed.

The organization is also calling for cultural sensitivity training for healthcare professionals to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against Grace Hospital highlights the importance of patient safety and the need for thorough investigations into medical errors.

The SCO's call for an independent investigation demonstrates the ongoing concerns within Indigenous communities about the quality of healthcare they receive.

The outcome of the lawsuit and the investigation will likely have a significant impact on the WRHA and the healthcare system in Winnipeg and beyond.