Saskatoon palliative cancer patient left on hallway stretcher for four days

A Saskatoon palliative care cancer patient was left in a stretcher in a Saskatoon hospital for four days as she waited for a bed.

As Saskatchewan continues to struggle with health-care capacity across the province, one immunocompromised palliative care cancer patient was left on a stretcher in a Saskatoon hospital hallway for four days.

Lorraine Kendel, a Saskatoon resident, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2023 and has been undergoing chemotherapy. Her husband, Dennis, is a former physician and luckily has been able to help his wife with her supportive care at home.

“(Chemotherapy) has slowed the progress of the disease, but she is getting progressively weaker and more debilitated week to week,” Dennis said.

Dennis said Lorraine was registered with palliative home care services about six weeks ago.

“We haven’t had to use that yet, but it is an excellent service available if we need it.”

He said a recent drop in Lorraine’s cell count on Tuesday changed everything, with Lorraine requiring hospitalization.

With the constant strain in Saskatchewan’s health care system, Kendel said he was worried.

Lorraine is also at a high risk of lethal infection, adding to the concern. Kendel said he took Lorraine to St. Paul’s Hospital emergency room, saying he was told that Lorraine would get transferred to Royal University Hospital’s medical oncology unit once an opening occurred.