Ornge representatives testified at a coroner’s inquest that despite improved response times, they still struggle to meet the Ministry of Health’s deadlines for transporting critically ill patients in northern Ontario. The inquest focused on the deaths of five individuals from Constance Lake First Nation due to blastomycosis in 2021.
Chief operating officer Wade Durham and chief medical officer Dr. Bruce Sawadsky explained that Ornge aims to pick up and transport critically ill patients within four hours, as per provincial policy, but logistical challenges in northern Ontario make this timeline unattainable due to vast distances.
During the outbreak in 2021, it took around five hours to reach critically ill patients in the north, but this has improved to just under four hours in most cases. However, weather conditions can impede timely responses, as illustrated in specific cases like that of Luke Moore.
Moore’s critical condition required urgent transfer to Health Sciences North in Sudbury, but challenges such as runway conditions, crosswinds, and lack of de-icing equipment hindered Ornge’s efforts. Unfortunately, Moore passed away while waiting for suitable transport arrangements.
Similarly, Lorraine Shaganash faced delays in transportation due to prioritization protocols, limited aircraft availability, and communication issues between hospitals. These challenges resulted in delays that impacted the timely transfer of patients requiring advanced care.
Ornge acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in communication and response times in the north. Efforts have been made to enhance services, including the addition of aircraft, hiring more paramedics, and procuring advanced equipment like jets to expedite patient transfers.
The organization emphasized its commitment to serving Indigenous communities and addressing disparities in healthcare access. Despite ongoing challenges, Ornge is dedicated to enhancing services and advocating for resources to better serve all patients, including those from underserviced areas like northern Ontario.