Fort St. John mother raises alarm about state of health care after son’s injury allegedly mishandled
A mother in Fort St. John, B.C., is speaking out after her son did not receive the necessary care during a recent visit to the local emergency room. Melanie Jansen shared her son’s experience, prompting numerous others to share similar stories and raising concerns about the level of care available in the northeastern B.C. city.
The incident occurred on May 6 when Jansen’s 15-year-old son, Hudson, fell while riding his bike in their neighborhood. His leg swelled significantly, and he experienced extreme pain, prompting a visit to the hospital. Despite being quickly triaged and receiving X-rays, they waited over five hours before seeing a doctor who recommended crutches, a tensor bandage, and pain medication before being sent home.
The following day, Jansen received an urgent message from a doctor advising immediate care for Hudson. Upon returning to the hospital, they were told to wait for a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon in Dawson Creek. After another long wait, they were sent home without a splint or clear information about Hudson’s condition.
It wasn’t until more than a week later, on May 14, that Hudson saw an orthopedic surgeon who discovered a broken bone that had worsened due to lack of proper care. Now, they are awaiting further treatment to determine if surgery is needed.
Jansen shared her frustration on Facebook, leading to an outpouring of similar stories from others in the community. While she is uncertain about the reasons for the failures in care, she believes changes are necessary to ensure better patient outcomes.
Local MLA Jordan Kealy has expressed support for Jansen and other residents facing healthcare challenges. He acknowledges that health care is a significant issue in the region and emphasizes the need for systemic improvements.
Fort St. John, like many parts of B.C., is experiencing strain on its healthcare system, with frequent closures and long wait times at the emergency department. Despite living in the city for most of her life, Jansen has relied on a family doctor in Salmon Arm due to concerns about local care.
Northern Health, the regional health authority, has acknowledged the concerns raised by Jansen and stated that they take quality of care seriously. While the case has been reviewed, specific details have not been shared publicly. Jansen hopes that her story will lead to positive changes in healthcare delivery and better outcomes for patients in Fort St. John and beyond.
