A year after their loved one died in hospital, N.S. family struggles to understand what went wrong

The tragic loss of their 30-year-old daughter, Shavonne, has left Wesley and Sheila Lees heartbroken. Every time they pass by her bedroom in their Westville home in Nova Scotia, they are reminded of her absence and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death. Shavonne’s room remains untouched, with her cherished doll on the bed and posters of her favorite movie, Frozen, adorning the walls.

Shavonne’s passing came as a shock to her parents, who were unaware of the severity of her condition when she expressed feeling unwell and needed to go to the emergency room at Aberdeen Regional Hospital in August 2023. It was later revealed that Shavonne had contracted sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to an infection. Despite their trust in medical professionals, Shavonne’s health rapidly deteriorated, and she passed away the following day.

Since her tragic death, Wesley and Sheila Lees have been on a quest for answers. Sheila has meticulously reviewed her daughter’s medical records, uncovering gaps in care and miscommunications among hospital staff. She believes that Shavonne’s mental disability may have led to discrimination during her treatment, with staff failing to engage with her directly.

The family’s concerns have prompted a quality review by Nova Scotia Health, which has offered condolences and outlined seven recommendations for improvement. These include a review of care models, patient flow in the emergency department, and education on sepsis management. Despite these efforts, Sheila remains dissatisfied with the response from the province and is determined to advocate for change.

Shavonne is remembered by her family as a remarkable individual who kept them connected through her thoughtful messages and warm demeanor. Described as the family secretary, she played a vital role in maintaining their bond. In her honor, the Lees family is calling for increased awareness of sepsis in emergency rooms to prevent future tragedies.

While ongoing discussions with health officials continue, Sheila emphasizes the need for tangible action to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses. The family’s campaign for change serves as a tribute to Shavonne’s memory and a testament to their unwavering determination to create a more compassionate and informed healthcare system.