Francine Shimizu-Orgar experiences recurring nightmares reliving the coroner’s inquest into her daughter’s passing, particularly when she viewed videos of Heather Winterstein’s final moments at a St. Catharines hospital in Ontario. Despite the distress caused by the footage, including one where Winterstein collapses in the emergency department waiting area, Shimizu-Orgar felt compelled to confront the harsh reality, both for herself and to bring awareness to the public.
Winterstein, a 24-year-old Indigenous woman, sought medical attention at the hospital on two consecutive days due to severe body pain. During her initial visit on December 9, 2021, a doctor attributed her symptoms to social issues, such as substance use and anxiety, and discharged her with a simple treatment plan. The following day, Winterstein returned in extreme pain and was briefly assessed before being left unattended in the waiting room for over two hours, leading to her collapse.
The inquest, which lasted three weeks, aimed to provide answers for Winterstein’s family, who had long sought clarity on her untimely demise. The jury concluded that Winterstein’s death was accidental, resulting from septic shock due to a bacterial infection exacerbated by delayed treatment.
Shimizu-Orgar expressed her belief that biases, including anti-Indigenous prejudice and assumptions related to homelessness and substance abuse, influenced Winterstein’s care and contributed to her tragic outcome. While Niagara Health, the hospital where the incident occurred, has taken steps towards addressing healthcare disparities, including forming Indigenous health initiatives, the jury’s 68 recommendations target various agencies for systemic improvements.
Despite the emotional toll, Winterstein’s family remains committed to advocating for better healthcare services for Indigenous individuals, planning to establish a foundation in her honor to support aspiring healthcare professionals. Through their advocacy, they aim to prevent similar tragedies and ensure that no family endures the same trauma they faced.