The Alberta government has initiated an investigation following the death of a 44-year-old man while awaiting treatment at an emergency department in Edmonton. Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Matt Jones, announced on social media that Acute Care Alberta and Covenant Health will conduct a joint review to examine the events leading to the passing of Prashant Sreekumar at Grey Nuns Community Hospital last Monday.
Sreekumar, who was suffering from chest pain, passed away after spending nearly eight hours waiting to be seen by a physician at the ER. His wife, Niharika Sreekumar, revealed that he began experiencing chest pain while at work, and a client brought him to the hospital.
Niharika stated that her husband spent the majority of the time, approximately eight hours, in the waiting area while enduring chest pain. She expressed frustration, stating that when he needed medical care the most, he was not given the necessary attention.
According to a family friend, Varindar Bhullar, initial assessments did not reveal any abnormalities, but Sreekumar’s blood pressure continued to rise. Tragically, Sreekumar reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after being triaged, leading to his demise.
Acute Care Alberta, a new healthcare agency in the province, has committed to participating in the review and implementing any suggested actions. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has launched an independent inquiry into the incident.
The family has set up a fundraiser to assist Sreekumar’s wife and three children, aged three, 10, and 14, as he was the sole provider for the family. Niharika described her late husband as a devoted father and provider, deeply missed by their children who he cared for diligently.