Family Alleges Delayed Hospital Treatment Led to Fatal Outcome

A Winnipeg family is demanding answers after their 68-year-old mother died following an emergency room visit at St. Boniface Hospital, alleging that delayed diagnosis and treatment contributed to her death.

Emergency Room Visit Precedes Rapid Decline

Judy Burns was rushed to the hospital in the early hours of January 18 after being found unresponsive, pale, and exhibiting signs of delirium, according to her daughter Chelsea Mann. Medical staff initially diagnosed the patient with dehydration and diverticulosis following a brief wait for evaluation.

“She wasn’t OK,” Mann stated. “Despite our repeated requests for an immediate endoscopy, they assured us multiple times, ‘Your mom is going to be fine. She’s going to be going home in 48 hours.'”

Critical Condition Develops Hours After Admission

Family members maintained vigil throughout the day, continuing to advocate for further examination. That evening, Burns suffered a stroke and went into cardiac arrest. Emergency surgery revealed a small ulcer causing internal bleeding in her small intestine.

“Our mom survived the surgery but we were informed she’d been bleeding internally all day,” Mann explained. “We believe an earlier scope could have saved her life.”

Medical staff placed Burns in a medically induced coma following the procedure. After three days, her family made the difficult decision to remove life support.

Hospital Launches Internal Review

The family formally contacted hospital administration the day after Burns’ death, prompting an internal investigation. A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority confirmed medical leadership at St. Boniface Hospital is reviewing the circumstances to determine appropriate follow-up actions.

Health officials extended condolences to the family while confirming a separate review is underway to determine whether the case meets critical incident criteria. “That determination is made carefully, based on evidence and established patient safety criteria, and is led by clinical and patient safety experts,” stated Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

Family Remembers Their ‘Anchor’

Mann described her mother as the family’s emotional foundation and primary support system. “Our mom was definitely our best friend. We spent every morning calling her, me and my son on FaceTime,” she said, recounting her final moments with Burns. “I left the hospital saying goodbye thinking I’d see her again, but by 8:30 that night she was already on life support.”