Family of man who died after long wait in hospital ER withdraws from inquest

WINNIPEG – The family of a Winnipeg man who died during a 34-hour wait in a hospital emergency room is pulling out of the next part of an inquest into his death.

Relatives of Brian Sinclair say they have lost confidence that the inquest will address what they say is systemic racism in the health-care system.

Two aboriginal groups have also withdrawn.

Sinclair was a double-amputee who died in the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre ER in September 2008 of complications stemming from a treatable bladder infection.

The first phase of the inquest heard from witnesses who said they saw Sinclair in distress and reported it to hospital staff, but their concerns were dismissed.

Sinclair’s family was hoping the inquest would include a broad examination of racism in health care, but Judge Timothy Preston ruled last month his mandate is not that wide.

Instead, the second phase will focus on hospital overcrowding, delays and procedures.

Preston rejected a motion to remove the aboriginal groups entirely as parties with standing. He said they are welcome to return and make final submissions if they want.