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EDMONTON — Alberta’s government has ordered a review after a 44-year-old man died while waiting for care in an emergency department, raising renewed scrutiny of emergency room delays in the province.
Prashanth Sreekumar died of an apparent cardiac arrest after waiting nearly eight hours to see a doctor at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital earlier this week. He had gone to the emergency department after experiencing chest pain.
Health Minister Matt Jones said he has directed Acute Care Alberta and Covenant Health to jointly review the circumstances surrounding Sreekumar’s death. The Grey Nuns Community Hospital is operated by Covenant Health and overseen by Acute Care Alberta.
Both organizations have confirmed they are participating in the review and say any recommendations that result will be implemented. An independent investigation has also been launched by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Family members and friends say Sreekumar’s condition worsened while he waited in the emergency department following initial assessments that did not flag an acute issue. He later collapsed shortly after being taken from the waiting area and could not be revived.
Premier Danielle Smith has offered condolences to the family and said the government expects a full review of the circumstances. Opposition New Democrats have described the death as a tragedy and renewed calls for improved hospital staffing levels and greater investment in public health care, arguing Albertans should receive timely and appropriate emergency treatment.
Sreekumar, an accountant and father of three, was the sole income earner for his family. A fundraiser has been established to support his wife and children, while calls continue for transparency and accountability as the reviews proceed.
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