Family members and community supporters gathered in Fort Erie, Ontario Thursday evening to honour Heather Winterstein, whose death at a St. Catharines hospital has exposed troubling questions about healthcare treatment for Indigenous people and those struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
The 24-year-old woman died in late December 2021 at what is now called the Marotta Family Hospital after a two-day ordeal trying to access medical care. A coroner's inquest into her death begins Monday and is expected to run approximately two weeks with 22 witnesses testifying.
"My niece was a person, a loved person with family," said Jill Lunn, Winterstein's aunt, speaking at the tribute event held at Sessions on the River recording studio. "We want to support Heather's parents and remind people she was a beautiful, wonderful person who deserved better."
Two-Day Medical Emergency
According to the Office of the Chief Coroner's February report, Winterstein was transported by ambulance to the hospital on December 9, 2021, suffering from severe back pain following a fall. Medical staff provided her with Tylenol and discharged her with a bus ticket home. The attending physician attributed her hospital visit to "social issues" rather than medical concerns.
When family members noticed Winterstein's skin had turned grey the following morning, they called emergency medical services. She returned to the hospital but spent hours waiting in the emergency department before collapsing on the floor.
Medical staff rushed her to the intensive care unit, but resuscitation efforts failed. An autopsy revealed Winterstein died from sepsis caused by streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus bacteria infections.
Mother's Anguish
Francine Shimizu-Orgar, Winterstein's mother, remains haunted by her daughter's final moments at the hospital.
"One of the witnesses said she looked terrified. That's not something a mother should hear," Shimizu-Orgar said at Thursday's tribute.
Despite her daughter's struggles with heroin and fentanyl addiction, Shimizu-Orgar remembered Winterstein's gentler side.
"Heather was a gentle person who loved animals," she recalled, describing her daughter's collection of budgies, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and lizards. "I called her my little zookeeper."
During the emotional evening, Winterstein's pink prom dress hung solitary on a stand inside the music studio, representing happier times in the young woman's life.
Systemic Questions
Winterstein's case highlights broader concerns about healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations, particularly Indigenous people and individuals dealing with substance use disorders. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding her death and may recommend changes to prevent similar tragedies.
The tribute event demonstrated the lasting impact Winterstein had on her community, with supporters rallying around her family ahead of the difficult legal proceedings.
This story is based on reporting by CBC News. Source: CBC News