A coroner's inquest into the death of a 24-year-old woman who collapsed in a hospital emergency department is hearing testimony that paints a troubling picture of her final hours.
Heather Winterstein died of sepsis on December 10, 2021, at what is now called Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontario. She had sought medical help over two consecutive days before her death.
On Friday, Emmaleen Young, believed to be the last person to speak with Winterstein, testified about what she witnessed in the packed waiting room shortly before Winterstein collapsed.
"She just looked terrified. In her eyes, I could see it. That's what gets me: She clearly wanted help," Young told the inquest panel.
Young described Winterstein as visibly unwell. The young woman was seated in a wheelchair, struggling to control her body movements and appeared to be in significant physical distress.
"She was clearly having issues controlling her body. She was very shaky," Young recounted. "She was slumped in a weird position on the chair."
Young also noticed distinctive physical symptoms that raised alarm. "She had this blotchy rash. It was on her face, on her neck, on her tummy. I could see it everywhere on her body," she testified.
The witness further described an interaction between Winterstein and a triage nurse that troubled her. According to Young, when Winterstein was wheeled to the triage station, the nurse responded sharply to her.
"I heard the nurse say, 'We'll be with you in a moment, Heather.' I felt it was belittling. It was quite shocking to me. I felt Heather was an inconvenience to this triage nurse," Young said.
The coroner's inquest, which began March 30 and is being held virtually, is expected to hear testimony from over 20 witnesses across 13 days of hearings. An Ontario coroner's jury is tasked with determining facts in cases and making recommendations to prevent similar deaths, though the process does not assign blame or determine guilt or innocence.
The proceedings represent a significant examination of the circumstances surrounding Winterstein's death and hospital care protocols.
This story is based on reporting from CBC Health.