A man, aged 36, spent several days receiving treatment for brain swelling at Royal University Hospital during the summer. Due to limited space, he had to stay in a hospital corridor, which he described as his scariest medical experience. Kay Roberts sought medical help at the Saskatoon ER on August 4 after experiencing confusion and headaches, which escalated to disorientation.
Roberts found himself on a stretcher in the hallway for four nights and five days, battling confusion and cognitive issues. Recalling the ordeal, he mentioned struggling to sleep with constant lights and people passing by. Medical procedures, including a plasma replacement through his jugular vein, were conducted in the hallway, with technicians facing challenges due to the cramped space.
Roberts’ family highlighted the urgency of the treatment for his encephalitis recovery, emphasizing the critical need for immediate medical intervention to prevent neurological complications. Before receiving treatment, Roberts spent nine hours in the ER waiting room, where his cognitive abilities declined significantly.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Roberts expressed gratitude for the care provided by the medical staff. However, he acknowledged the difficulties of practicing medicine in such conditions, expressing empathy for the frustration faced by healthcare professionals. His mother, Maureen Roberts, commended the nurses for their exceptional care in a challenging environment.
The NDP health critic, Keith Jorgenson, condemned the situation, labeling the treatment in a hallway as unacceptable. He called for an apology to the family and urged the Health Minister to visit the emergency department at RUH to witness the conditions firsthand. The Saskatchewan Health Authority stated its commitment to addressing capacity issues and improving emergency room wait times in Saskatoon hospitals.
Efforts are underway to enhance acute care capacity in Saskatoon, with plans to expand inpatient beds at Saskatoon City Hospital. The SHA assured ongoing communication with healthcare teams to manage capacity pressures effectively and provide optimal care to patients.
