Doctor accused of negligence in Cumberland emergency room death tells his side of the story – CBC

Notice of defence for Dr. John Atia denies negligence in his care for Allison Holthoff

Mar 31, 2023

The doctor who was working at the Cumberland Regional Health Centre on New Year’s Eve when a 37-year-old mother died in the emergency room is denying allegations of negligence.

A lawsuit has been filed against Dr. John Atia and Nova Scotia Health by Allison Holthoff’s family, alleging they didn’t test and treat her in an adequate and timely manner. Allegations from Holthoff’s family have not been tested in court.

But Atia’s version of events — outlined in his notice of defence filed March 30 at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court — tell a different story.

Atia says he was the only emergency medical physician on duty from the time Holthoff arrived in the emergency department until 7 p.m., when another emergency medical physician took over. He says he worked overtime to assist in Holthoff’s care.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/allison-holthoff-er-doctor-speaks-out-1.6796800

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