A 36-year-old man found himself in a distressing situation this summer at Royal University Hospital when he had to endure days of medical treatment in a hospital hallway due to overcrowding. Kay Roberts, experiencing symptoms of brain swelling, sought help at the Saskatoon ER on August 4th after feeling disoriented and suffering from confusion and headaches.
Roberts spent four nights and five days on a stretcher in the hallway, facing challenges with sleep and constant disruptions from passersby. Medical procedures, including a plasma replacement requiring a tube insertion into his jugular vein, were carried out in the cramped space, causing discomfort to both Roberts and the medical technician involved.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the treatment was crucial for Roberts’ recovery from encephalitis. His family shared concerns about the lack of privacy and proper facilities for such procedures. Roberts spent a total of 10 days in the ER and temporary overflow areas before being transferred to the neurology ward.
Expressing gratitude for the care received, Roberts acknowledged the challenging environment for healthcare professionals and the frustrations faced in practicing medicine under such conditions. His mother, Maureen Roberts, highlighted the stress experienced by their family and medical staff during this period.
The Saskatchewan NDP raised concerns about the situation, emphasizing the necessity for appropriate healthcare settings and condemning the performance of complex medical procedures in hallways. NDP health critic Keith Jorgenson called the incident “absolutely unacceptable” and demanded an apology for the family, urging Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill to visit the hospital and witness the conditions firsthand.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority responded by expressing a willingness to learn from the patient’s experience and improve hospital capacity management. They assured ongoing efforts to address capacity issues and enhance emergency room efficiency, including plans to expand acute care bed capacity at Saskatoon City Hospital in the near future.