Keith Jorgenson recently gave a press conference. He selected the home of the Coakwell family in Saskatoon as the backdrop for this significant moment. One patient’s tragic story underscored the urgency of the meeting. Disturbing testimony from cancer patient Lloyd Coakwell. As a result of a really bad inner ear infection, he suffered through 6 full days in a hallway in Royal University Hospital (RUH). Even in death, the Coakwell family’s story raised alarm bells about the quality of care given to patients and the continuing situation in Saskatchewan’s healthcare facilities.
On October 16, Lloyd Coakwell was admitted to RUH to address his infection while managing his ongoing battle with cancer. For his time in the hospital, that became a whole nightmare. He spent pretty much that whole visit trapped in a corridor. This reality created major physical obstacles and emotionally drained him and his family as well.
A Disturbing Experience
At the press event, Lloyd Coakwell shared his traumatic experience, which he said made him feel exclusively stripped of dignity. He painted a picture of how exiting the clinic and being left in a hallway without adequate follow-up care completely eliminated any comfort or humanity.
“Lying in a hallway, exposed and vulnerable, day after day, stripped away of any sense of comfort or humanity,” – Lloyd Coakwell [“Lloyd Coakwell – thestarphoenix.com”]
The emotional toll was heavy, with Lloyd expressing it as, “It broke me.” His wife, Marilyn Coakwell, shared his fears and experiences, emphasizing the alarming lack of emergency preparedness they experienced during this extraordinarily vulnerable period.
“How can you heal? How can you possibly heal?” – Marilyn Coakwell [“Marilyn Coakwell – thestarphoenix.com”]
Marilyn told us that this is why her husband was put in Pod E. This space became a major corridor for employees and guests moving through the building, creating a dramatic loss in dignity and privacy.
Press Conference Highlights
The purpose of this press conference was to bring attention to the systemic failures that have plagued Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. Keith Jorgenson, a former Washington State DOT official, moderated the discussion, urging that Democrats and Republicans must help bear America’s leadership on these challenges.
“Get everybody involved. Both sides. You can’t say our plan is better than your plan. That’s like school kids. Be adults,” – Marilyn Coakwell [“Marilyn Coakwell – thestarphoenix.com”]
The Coakwell family’s experience exposes a terrible gap in patient safety in hospitals. This issue is especially acute in times of healthcare system disparagement. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) admits as much. They mourn the lives of Lloyd Coakwell and all those who suffered as Coakwell endured a horrific profusion of abusive treatment at this sorrowful moment.
“We regret that these pressures have resulted in a difficult experience for this patient during an already challenging time, and we would welcome the opportunity to meet with this patient to better understand and learn from their experience,” – SHA [“SHA – thestarphoenix.com”]
Systemic Challenges in Healthcare
The problems identified by the Coakwell family parallel the ongoing concerns of numerous families facing similar hardship in Saskatchewan’s stressed healthcare system. As hospitals continue to be overwhelmed with the surge in demand for essential medical services, patients are forced into dangerous circumstances that may prevent their full recovery.
The Star Phoenix newspaper has followed this event closely, covering it through their arts section, health and provincial politics. Our local newspaper is vital in shining light on local issues that directly affect our community. Unfortunately, it underscores the urgent need for improvements in today’s healthcare system.
Families are coming forward to tell their story on a daily basis. These stories are powerful reminders of why we need to act, to ensure all patients have the dignified treatment they deserve in their most vulnerable moments.
