Heartbreaking Lawsuit Emerges

A heartbreaking lawsuit has emerged from Winnipeg, where a widow claims her husband’s tragic death resulted from negligent medical care at a personal care home. Kerry Acland, whose husband Brian passed away at the age of 82 on December 8, 2022, is now seeking justice through legal channels after his untimely death at the Poseidon Care Centre.

Details of the Lawsuit

Filed by lawyer Deborah Yeboah in the Court of King’s Bench on December 6, the lawsuit targets not only the facility itself but also its former owner, Revera Long Term Care Inc., and a doctor associated with the home. Under the Fatal Accidents Act and as executor of her husband's estate, Acland's widow is claiming unspecified damages, including compensation for loss of companionship, interest, and court costs.

Negligent Medical Care Claims

The allegations are serious. Kerry Acland asserts that, despite her explicit instructions regarding her husband's diabetes management, caregivers at the facility improperly administered large doses of insulin following a medical emergency linked to his diabetes. The filing suggests that the care provided—or lack thereof—was a direct cause of Brian’s death due to complications arising from mismanagement.

Brian Acland's Background

Brian Acland, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in his early twenties, had a history of effectively managing his condition, even working as a pharmaceutical representative specializing in diabetes for a well-known company. He was also actively involved with the Canadian Diabetes Association. However, as he progressed into dementia, his wife became his primary caregiver, overseeing his medical decisions.

The Care Home Admission

In October 2022, the couple faced the difficult decision to move Brian to a care home for the advanced support he required, admitting him on October 28. According to the court documents, Kerry provided the staff with critical instructions on his husband’s insulin algorithm on the day of his admission. Alarmingly, this guidance was allegedly ignored.

Circumstances of Death

Tragedy struck when Brian suffered a fall at the care home on December 8, 2022. He was discovered by his roommate and, upon examination by the staff, displayed concerning symptoms: low blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, and significantly high blood sugar levels. A medical emergency was declared, prompting staff to contact Brian’s attending physician and his widow for further instructions.

Controversial Medical Responses

Against her advice, a nurse allegedly administered two large doses of insulin in rapid succession, a decision Kerry believes contravened proper medical protocol for someone with Type 1 diabetes. Less than four hours later, Brian was pronounced dead.

Claims of Negligence

The lawsuit highlights that, prior to this incident, Brian had lived nearly 60 years managing his diabetes without hospitalization for complications. The claims against the defendants center around their failure to deliver safe and adequate diabetes care, accusing them of negligence and improper record-keeping.

Controversy Surrounding Revera

The controversy surrounding Revera, the former owner of the care home, adds an unsettling layer to this case. The company has been criticized for its handling of long-term care homes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when significant outbreaks occurred, including one that infected over 200 residents and staff at one of their facilities, leading to numerous fatalities.

Public Interest and Accountability

This case raises pressing questions about accountability and the standards of care in personal care homes, stirring public interest as more families seek to understand the quality of services provided to their loved ones in comparable situations. As this tragic story unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the appropriate medical care they deserve.