P.A. man calls out Sask. healthcare system after wife dies from toe infection

After about a week, Gassner’s toe wasn’t getting any better, so a nurse was called in. It was recommended they go to Victoria Hospital’s emergency department.

Zawislake said that’s exactly what they did, waiting around 10 hours to see a doctor.

“The doctor at the hospital said she’s doing OK… they gave her more antibiotics and sent her home,” he said.

After another week and a half, Gassner’s toe only got worse. Once again, a nurse was called in and recommended they call an ambulance so Gassner could be treated at the hospital.

“It was the same thing again,” said Zawislake who noted she was given more medication and was told she was most likely suffering from nerve pain.

It was then that the couple decided to see their family doctor. As soon as they arrived, they were told her foot was gangrenous.

Gassner was eventually admitted to a Saskatoon hospital. Over the next six months, she underwent multiple operations to try and get the blood flowing into her foot, however, Zawislake said two of his wife’s toes were amputated.

Eventually, her other leg started suffering from similar problems as it appeared the infection had spread. Her stomach, which was cut open during one of the operations, also started to swell up.

Fast forward to November where Gassner underwent surgery on her stomach in Saskatoon. Zawislake said they were told it was a simple operation.

Two days later, Zawislake, who was in Prince Albert at the time, received a call that Gassner had turned for the worse and that he should get down as fast as he could. A short time later, she passed away.

“When I left (Saskatoon), she was in good spirits,” Zawislake said while holding back tears.

He was told the stress of the last several months became too much for her and played a part in her death.

Recent photo taken of Elaine Gassner. (submitted photo/Randy Zawislake)

In his opinion, Zawislake believes his wife would still be alive if doctors at the Victoria Hospital completed additional tests on her toe before discharging them.

“All we did was sit in the waiting room for 10 hours and when we finally got in, she’s OK, here’s some more pills, more painkillers, go home.”

Zawislake said he doesn’t believe anything malicious was done. He thinks the doctors were most likely overworked and were trying to help as many patients as fast as they could.

He’s filed two complaints with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The first was sent after Gassner was first admitted in Saskatoon and the second after her death.

paNOW reached out to the SHA who said they couldn’t comment on the situation due to privacy reasons.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) extends its condolences to family and friends on the death of their loved one. We take all concerns from patients and their family members very seriously. Anyone who has concerns over their care experience is encouraged to contact a client concern specialist. Through this patient-centred service, we can work with the patient and their family members through a respectful and confidential process to find out how we can help,” the SHA said in a statement.

Moving forward, Zawislake has to have an open-heart surgery. Because of the experience Gassner had, he’s anxious about his recovery.

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

X: @princealbertnow

by Jaryn Vecchio

P.A. man calls out Sask. healthcare system after wife dies from toe infection

What's Trending