WINNIPEG — Wednesday was the last day of the inquest into the death of a Winnipeg woman who collapsed on her doorstep after being sent home from Seven Oaks Hospital in a taxi.
Heather Brenan was dropped off by a cab in January of 2012 and died the next day from a blood clot.
Brenan’s daughter said she finally feels like she has some answers, but it’s taken a lot of time and money.
“I used all my savings, my RRSP’s, I’ve gone into my retirement investment account, pulled money out of it,” said Dana Brenan.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said Brenan was okay to send home and that the blood clot that claimed her life could not be detected.
On the last day of the inquest the hospital authority defended decisions made that day and said new policies have been implemented for discharging patients. Brenan’s lawyer is concerned that not all hospital and taxi staff are aware of these changes.
“The issue is if they’re actually being followed. Dana has asked that something be put in place so that these policies are followed in the future,” said Deryk Coward.
While the inquest is over, it will be another six months before the report is released. Brenan said she is satisfied knowing she fought the battle her mother could not.
“Nobody should be sent home like that. They should be given thorough consideration before they’re shipped out late at night home from the hospital,” said Brenan.
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