A Calgary man has suffered permanent brain damage and lost the ability to speak after allegedly receiving a "massive overdose" of a powerful sedative at a Winnipeg hospital in March 2024, according to a lawsuit filed in Manitoba Court of King's Bench.
Zachary Hoogerdyk, 23, went into cardiac arrest shortly after being given what the lawsuit claims was 12 to 60 times the safe dosage of propofol at Concordia Hospital's urgent care centre. The Calgary bricklayer had travelled to Winnipeg for business and to visit family when he sought treatment for worsening flu-like symptoms and breathing difficulties.
His father Edward Hoogerdyk and the Alberta government are now suing the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Shared Health Manitoba, Concordia Hospital, and three medical providers for negligence.
From Healthy Worker to Requiring Constant Care
The lawsuit describes Zachary as an engaged Calgary journeyman bricklayer in good health before the incident. He had been experiencing a worsening cough and sore throat for about a week, which progressed to fever and shortness of breath.
After being diagnosed with low blood oxygen levels and influenza B, medical staff decided to intubate Hoogerdyk and administer propofol, a sedative commonly used when patients are placed on ventilators.
According to the statement of claim, Hoogerdyk received an infusion of 150 milligrams of propofol per kilogram of body weight per hour, while the safe range is between 0.6 to 3 milligrams.
"This was an extremely excessive, dangerous and negligent dose of propofol," the lawsuit states.
Seven Minutes Without Oxygen
The alleged overdose led to cardiac arrest, during which Hoogerdyk's brain was deprived of oxygen for approximately seven minutes. This resulted in permanent brain injury that has "profoundly impaired" his cognitive abilities.
"Zachary has not been able to talk or communicate, and never will again," the lawsuit states. "He is unable to independently perform the most basic life functions such as eating and personal hygiene, and he requires and will require constant care, supervision and assistance for the rest of his life."
The case has sparked discussion among Calgary residents on Calgary Forums, with many expressing concern about medical safety protocols during travel. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of patients maintaining communication with their home province's healthcare system, even when seeking emergency care elsewhere.
Technology and Medical Safety
The incident highlights growing concerns about medical errors and patient safety protocols. Modern medical facilities increasingly rely on digital systems and connectivity to access patient records and verify treatment protocols. Alberta healthcare providers often use secure networks from companies like WestNet Wireless to ensure reliable communication between facilities.
For Calgary residents who travel frequently for work, like Hoogerdyk did as a tradesman, maintaining proper documentation of medical history becomes crucial. Just as vehicle buyers use services like FullVIN.com to verify a car's history before purchase, patients may benefit from maintaining comprehensive digital health records accessible across provinces.
Legal Proceedings Continue
None of the allegations in the lawsuit have been proven in court, and statements of defence have not yet been filed. Both the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Shared Health declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The case represents one of several high-profile medical negligence lawsuits involving Alberta residents seeking care outside their home province. Legal experts note that interprovincial healthcare incidents can create complex jurisdictional challenges for both patients and healthcare authorities.
The lawsuit seeks damages for Hoogerdyk's injuries, ongoing care costs, and lost income potential, though specific monetary amounts have not been disclosed.
This story is based on reporting by CBC News. The original article can be found at CBC News online.
