January 15, 2014
STANDING HEARING FOR INQUEST CALLED INTO DEATH OF HEATHER BRENAN
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Heather Brenan, 68, of Winnipeg.
Brenan had multiple medical problems and lived alone. She was brought to the Seven Oaks General Hospital (SOGH) emergency department on Jan. 24, 2012, by a friend. Her symptoms included weakness, difficulty and pain when eating, and long-term weight loss. She was kept in the hospital until Jan. 27, 2012, though never admitted. During that time, she had numerous medical tests and assessments including the need for social work and home care when discharged from the hospital. On Jan. 27, 2012, Brenan was discharged late at night and sent home in a cab with a friend expected to meet her at home. She collapsed upon arrival and an ambulance was called. Her condition deteriorated at the hospital and Brenan was pronounced dead at SOGH on Jan. 28, 2012.
Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, could be done to help prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.
Before the inquest can begin, the judge will decide who can participate and question witnesses by having standing at the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Melissa Carlson, inquest counsel, at 204 945-4248 or melissa.carlson@gov.mb.ca by Jan. 23.
The standing hearing will be held on Monday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 405 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
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