Ontario’s coroner has called for an inquest into the death of an Indigenous woman two and a half years after she died in the St. Catharines Hospital’s emergency room.
Heather Winterstein, 24, went to the ER with severe back pain on Dec. 9, 2021.
Her mother told CHCH News that Heather was given Tylenol and sent home.
The following day, Heather returned to hospital with more pain and died there.
St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens posted on social media that Heather’s death was “tragic and entirely preventable.”
I am pleased to learn of the inquest into Heather Winterstein’s death.
The circumstances surrounding Heather’s passing in hospital are tragic and entirely preventable.
Our public health care facilities should be safe and welcoming spaces for indigenous patients.
— MPP Jennie Stevens (@JennieStevens_) June 5, 2024
There’s no word yet on when the inquest will begin.
The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Heather’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
READ MORE: St. Catharines community calls for coroner’s inquest into Indigenous woman’s death