AMC Calls for Immediate Review of Critical Incident Involving Bloodvein First Nation Citizen at Grace Hospital

Press Release

November 13, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is deeply concerned about the recent critical incident involving Jason Kennedy, a 48-year-old man from Bloodvein First Nation, who underwent a leg amputation at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. The man was admitted for the amputation of his right leg due to a bone infection, but after the procedure, it was discovered that his left leg, below the knee, had been mistakenly amputated instead.

This tragic error, which left Mr. Kennedy in shock and disbelief upon waking from anesthesia, highlights ongoing systemic issues within healthcare delivery to First Nations Peoples. The AMC is calling for immediate action to ensure a full, transparent investigation into this incident and demands that the Assembly be a part of the review process.

Jason Kennedy, a former commercial fisher, has long lived with the painful reality of a bone infection in his right foot, which he was told by his doctor at another hospital would need to be amputated. However, instead of receiving treatment for the right leg, Mr. Kennedy now faces the loss of his left leg. He recounts waking up from the procedure and immediately realizing that the wrong leg had been amputated, an experience that will have lifelong consequences for him and his family.

“The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stands in solidarity with Mr. Kennedy and his family as they navigate this devastating experience,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “This is not only a deeply personal tragedy for Mr. Kennedy, but it is also part of a broader pattern of healthcare failures that disproportionately impact First Nations Peoples. We need to ensure that First Nations are fully represented in the review of this incident and that meaningful steps are taken to prevent such errors from occurring again.”

The AMC is calling on the province to take immediate steps to:

1. Ensure full transparency and accountability in the review of this critical incident.
2. Include First Nations Leaders in the incident review process to ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard and considered in the investigation.
3. Address systemic issues that lead to preventable errors and contribute to inequities in healthcare services for First Nations people.
4. Implement cultural competency and anti-racism training for healthcare providers to prevent further mistreatment and miscommunication in the care of First Nations patients.

“The health and safety of our people must be a priority. We cannot continue to accept incidents like this as a ‘one-off’ or a simple mistake that is fixed with a simple apology to the patient,” said Acting Grand Chief Kennedy. “It is critical that First Nations are included in every aspect of this review and that real action is taken to ensure our First Nations citizens receive safe and responsible care. First Nations patients are not meant to be system learning opportunities”.

The AMC will be closely monitoring this situation and advocating for justice for Mr. Kennedy and all First Nations people who have been affected by systemic inequities within the healthcare system.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

IHT5