Manitoba woman set to lose right leg after languishing in hospital bed with open wound

A Manitoba woman, Roseanne Milburn, is facing the devastating prospect of losing her leg after a surgeon started a procedure he couldn’t finish. Milburn, a 61-year-old military veteran, underwent knee replacement surgery in October after six years of waiting. Unfortunately, she developed an infection post-surgery that required follow-up treatment.

Initially, Milburn was told that a surgeon would remove dead tissue from her right knee and stitch her up in a day. However, due to a lack of available beds at Health Sciences Centre, she ended up spending days with an open wound, causing further complications. This delay in treatment ultimately led to the decision to amputate her leg on Friday.

The situation has left Milburn feeling like she has no choice but to undergo the amputation to get rid of the infection. She expressed her frustration and disappointment, stating that the healthcare system failed her and is now forcing her to make a life-altering decision.

Her husband, Dan Milburn, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that the surgeon should not have started an operation without ensuring that there was a bed available to complete the procedure. He described feeling upset, hurt, and angry at the situation that his wife has been put in.

Shared Health, the organization overseeing provincial healthcare delivery, issued an apology for the added pain and stress caused to Milburn and her family. They acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation and emphasized that the patient will be involved in determining her preferred care plan moving forward.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara expressed concern over Milburn’s experience and stated that lessons will be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future. Milburn emphasized the need for more accountability in the healthcare system when errors occur, emphasizing the importance of communication and transparency.

Despite the challenges she faces, Milburn is hopeful for the future and eager to return home to her dogs and favorite activities. She is determined to adapt to life as an amputee and is looking forward to the possibility of receiving a prosthetic to improve her mobility and quality of life.