A tribute was held Thursday night in Fort Erie, Ontario, for Heather Winterstein, whose death at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines more than four years ago has prompted questions about healthcare for Indigenous people and those facing mental health and substance utilize challenges.
Awaiting Inquest Findings
The event took place just days before a coroner’s inquest is scheduled to begin into the circumstances surrounding Winterstein’s death in December 2021. Her aunt, Jill Lunn, stated, “My niece was a person, a loved person with family. We want to support Heather’s parents and remind people she was a beautiful, wonderful person who deserved better.”
According to the Office of the Chief Coroner, Winterstein initially visited the hospital on December 9, 2021, experiencing severe back pain following a fall. She was given Tylenol and sent home with a bus ticket after a physician determined “social issues” were a factor. The following morning, after her family noticed her skin had turned grey, she was again taken to the hospital.
After waiting in the emergency department, Winterstein collapsed and was taken to intensive care, where resuscitation attempts failed. An autopsy determined she died from sepsis caused by streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Winterstein’s mother, Francine Shimizu-Orgar, shared that her daughter had confided in her about struggles with heroin and fentanyl addiction, but also experienced joy in life, particularly through caring for animals. Shimizu-Orgar stated, “One of the witnesses said she looked terrified. That’s not something a mother should hear.”
Niagara Health has acknowledged concerns about racism and bias in healthcare and stated its commitment to improvement. A third-party panel review found that Winterstein had abnormal vital signs on her first visit but was discharged without a full assessment, raising concerns about potential unconscious bias related to her experiences with addiction and homelessness. Niagara Health has accepted the panel’s recommendations, including mandatory cultural safety training and the creation of an Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team.
The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the Chiefs of Ontario have both emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues of anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination within the healthcare system through this inquest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Heather Winterstein’s death?
Heather Winterstein died from sepsis, an extreme response to an infection caused by streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus bacteria, following a hospital visit for severe back pain.
When will the inquest into her death begin?
The inquest into Heather Winterstein’s death is scheduled to begin on Monday and is expected to last about two weeks.
What is the purpose of the inquest?
The inquest is a public hearing intended to inform the public about the circumstances of Winterstein’s death and may result in recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future, but does not assign blame.
As the inquest begins, will the findings lead to meaningful change in how healthcare is delivered to Indigenous people and those with complex health needs?
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