Inquest into death of man in Fredericton ER waiting area ends with 3 recommendations
CBC
A coroner's inquest into the death of a patient in the waiting area of the Fredericton hospital's emergency department ended Tuesday with three recommendations aimed at improving ER services and preventing deaths under similar circumstances.
Darrell Mesheau, 78, spent about seven hours at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital ER before he was discovered unresponsive by a licensed practical nurse around 4:30 a.m. on July 12, 2022.
After deliberating for about two hours, the jury concluded he died at 4:44 a.m., when he was pronounced dead, as a result of heart failure, and that his death was due to natural causes.
The jury recommended all stakeholders "collaborate and show ownership in the resolution of the bed-blockage issue."
This was a reference to when patients who have been admitted to hospital have to remain in ER beds because there are no other beds available, largely because there are patients waiting in hospital for a long-term care placement, such as a nursing home or special care home.
Seventeen of 29 available ER beds were occupied by admitted patients the day Mesheau died, the inquest heard.
The backlog of Social Development patients awaiting long-term care contributes "significantly to the efficiency of an operating emergency room," the jury said.
Eight recommendations that stemmed from an internal Horizon review following Mesheau's death should also be "fully implemented, funded and staffed," the jurors said.
In addition, staff should be equipped with hand-held electronic devices to record patient vitals.
Mesheau's family was happy with the recommendations, according to his son Ryan Mesheau.
"It may be too late for my dad, but it's not too late for other New Brunswickers," he said.
The recommendations are not binding.
"It's in Horizon Health's hands now, so it's up to them," said Mesheau, who travelled from California to attend the proceedings.
He described himself as an optimistic person, but when asked whether he thinks the changes will be implemented, he replied, "probably not."
