Disability advocates say the lonely death of a non-verbal B.C. woman is far from an isolated case in Canada — and underscores the need for a clear policy on who, exactly, is an essential hospital visitor during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Ariis Knight had cerebral palsy and communicated with her family and support workers through her eyes and facial expressions. She was admitted to Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock on April 15 with symptoms of congestion, fever and vomiting, but did not have COVID-19.
Her support staff were not permitted access due to restrictions put in place during the pandemic. Not long after being admitted, Knight was put on end-of-life care, and died days later. She was 40 years old.
Longtime disability advocate Al Etmanski, who is also the co-chair of the federal government’s COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group, says Knight’s story isn’t unique.
“I’m hearing stories from families in Prince Edward Island all the way across the country,” he said, adding hundreds of patients have likely been affected by policies that don’t designate family members or support staff as an essential part of a care team.
Knight’s family is calling for an investigation into Fraser Health, who told Global News its medical staff determined Knight did not need extra help with communication.
“Essential visitors includes anyone who is considered paramount to a patient’s well-being. In the event that communication with a patient cannot be facilitated, acute care staff would connect with family to access additional support for the patient,” said the health authority in a statement Friday.
“In this case, medical staff determined that additional support for communication was not required.”