The Rockyview Hospital is facing scrutiny after several incidents involving dementia patients were brought to light over the past few weeks.
When Angus Miller heard that two more dementia patients walked away from the health care facility on Wednesday, part of him was shocked and part of him was simply more committed to his cause.
“I just want things to be rectified so they don't happen to any other families,” said Miller.
Miller’s wife Wendy, 64, also suffered from dementia and died at the Rockyview Hospital last week.
Miller says her doctors told him she choked while alone in her room and that the emergency call button was broken.
A review is underway but Miller wants a full inquiry.
‘Well I think it should be a public inquiry, because the things that went wrong are simple things that should be rectified,” said Miller. ” It is justice for Wendy. I don't see why she had to suffer in a bed by herself.”
It is standard protocol to review each case individually and the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness has confirmed that he has already received the first of those reviews.
Minister Fred Horne wants time to read the review and consider whether a full inquiry is the answer.
“I'm interested also in what do other major hospitals do. What the Toronto General Hospital does, What the Vancouver General Hospital does,” said Horne.
The group Friends of Medicare is encouraging families who have had similar problems to speak up.
“I think people need to start contacting their MLAs and speaking about it and not being afraid to come forward,” said Ted Woynillowicz.
Alberta Health Services points out that long term care in the Calgary area will get a boost over the next year when 350 beds are added to the system.
One quality assurance review of the four most recent problems at the Rockyivew has already been completed and the others are underway.
