Investigation Launched After Death in Winnipeg ER

A critical incident review has been initiated by the Manitoba government following the death of 49-year-old Chad Christopher Giffin, who succumbed after waiting approximately eight hours for care at Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre. Giffin, who struggled with mental health issues and homelessness, was triaged as a low-acuity patient and was found unresponsive shortly before 8 a.m. on January 7, 2023. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara expressed commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur, acknowledging the ongoing issue of lengthy emergency room wait times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency department was reportedly overcrowded, with over 100 patients present at the time of Giffin's death. This incident has drawn parallels to the case of Brian Sinclair, who died in the same hospital in 2008 after a prolonged wait, leading to significant healthcare reforms. The province's investigation aims to provide insights and recommendations to improve the healthcare system and prevent future tragedies.