The WRHA released the results of the review of the death of Brian Sinclair in the Health Sciences Centre ER. Findings of the review said that the problem was systemic and was not the result of actions or the inaction of any individual. The report also contained a number of recommendations to ensure that such a tragic occurrence does not happen again. The recommendations focus mainly on the triage process and are to implemented throughout the region.

Mowat told media that as long as sufficient resources are put in place the recommendations should result in improvements to the delivery of care. She also said that the WRHA has to be more aggressive in addressing the fact that our ERs are filled with patients who don’t belong there. She said that a central bed registry which allowed admitted patients to be moved from the ER to beds in other city hospitals would alleviate the pressure on ERs.

Mowat also said that the WRHA must stop the practice of physicians using ERs for follow up visits and referrals to specialists.

For a complete list of the recommendations: http://www.wrha.mb.ca/media/news/081119.php

Click to listen to CBC Up To Speed interview with Sandi Mowat