Horizon, 2 nurses deny negligence in death of Fredericton ER waiting room patient
A recent lawsuit filed against Horizon Health Network and two of its nurses by the family of a man who tragically passed away while waiting for care at the Fredericton hospital’s emergency department in 2022 has sparked controversy. Susan Mesheau, the executor of her brother Darrell Mesheau’s estate, alleges negligence on the part of Horizon, registered nurse Danielle Othen, and licensed practical nurse April Knowles, citing “reckless and outrageous acts and omissions” in his care and treatment.
Darrell Mesheau, a 78-year-old former diplomat, spent approximately seven hours in the waiting room of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital ER before being discovered slumped and motionless in a wheelchair around 4:30 a.m. on July 12, 2022. His untimely death led to significant public outcry and prompted a major overhaul of New Brunswick’s health-care leadership, including the termination of Horizon’s president and CEO, the replacement of the health minister, and the removal of the Horizon and Vitalité boards.
In their defense, Horizon Health Network and the two nurses assert that they provided Darrell Mesheau with appropriate care and treatment, utilizing reasonable skills and due care in accordance with the standard of care expected of them. They acknowledge that Mesheau arrived at the emergency department by ambulance and was triaged as Level 3, indicating an urgent condition. While nurse Knowles was primarily assigned to the psychiatric pod, she also assisted in monitoring patients in the ER waiting room as needed.
The tragic turn of events culminated in a “code blue” being called the following morning after Mesheau was found unresponsive and subsequently pronounced dead. A subsequent autopsy revealed that he succumbed to heart failure. The defendants vehemently deny any allegations of negligence, asserting that Mesheau’s death was solely due to heart failure and not the result of any actions or inactions on their part.
The Mesheau family contends that the defendants failed to provide Darrell with proper medical care and attention, including regular vital checks and reassessment every 30 minutes as required by his Level 3 triage status. They allege that Mesheau was only examined and had his vitals taken twice during the lengthy wait, with no further interaction or monitoring until the tragic discovery in the early hours of the morning.
While the family seeks unspecified damages for financial losses, punitive damages, and damages for loss of companionship and support, the defendants refute these claims and demand strict proof of the damages sought. The case remains unresolved, with none of the allegations proven in court at this time.
As this legal battle continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of timely and effective healthcare delivery, and the need for accountability in the face of tragic outcomes. The Mesheau family’s quest for justice underscores the profound impact of negligence in healthcare settings and the lasting repercussions it can have on those left behind.
