St. Boniface Hospital investigation finds delays in Stacey Ross death

An investigation into the death of 55-year-old Stacey Ross at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg has identified multiple factors that contributed to delays in her medical treatment. Ross initially sought emergency care in January due to severe chest pains but waited over 12 hours before being sent home. Upon returning to the hospital via ambulance weeks later, she faced another lengthy wait before her condition deteriorated, leading to cardiac arrest.

The review found that a shortage of available treatment spaces and high patient volumes caused significant delays in physician assessments. Additionally, the investigation revealed that elevated troponin levels—a protein indicating heart damage—were not promptly identified or reported to doctors. It was also noted that her reports of chest pain were not communicated to medical staff on the night of her death.

In response, Manitoba Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority stated that recommendations are being implemented, including improving patient flow, enhancing nurse monitoring protocols, and providing rapid cardiology consultations in the emergency department. However, the family of Stacey Ross expressed frustration and disappointment, stating the findings were vague and failed to provide closure or address the systemic issues that led to the tragedy.