A Maple Ridge widow wants assurances that medical images are taken following invasive procedures at Ridge Meadows Hospital, after the death of her husband when his lung was punctured.
Doris Evelle, 81, claims her husband Raymond Evelle rapidly declined in health and eventually died after doctors at the hospital allegedly punctured his lung while draining fluid from his chest cavity – which was not caught until three days later.
However, Dr. Laura Kelly, site medical director at Ridge Meadows Hospital, said the hospital conducted a “very formal review,” and determined that Raymond had received “entirely appropriate care.”
“We could find no fault from anyone on his care team in terms of how his care was delivered,” she said.
Doris disputes this, and has filed complaints with the Patient Care Quality Office of Fraser Health, the province’s Patient Care Quality Review Board, as well as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
In detailed notes, Doris documented how Raymond – who would have turned 89 on Oct. 22 – had a history of shortness of breath before he arrived in the emergency department at Ridge Meadows Hospital on Dec. 30.
The following day, after undergoing surgery for abdominal pain, Doris reported that her husband was still having problems breathing.
On Jan. 2, it was discovered that there was a retention of fluid in Raymond’s right lung and chest cavity, and Doris said, he had the fluid drained.
The next day, Jan. 3, Doris asked the doctor if her husband was well enough to go home and said she was told he was “medically sound.”
But, on Jan. 4, Doris rushed Raymond back to emergency with abdominal pain. On Jan. 5, he was given a CT scan and the punctured lung was discovered.
Despite another tube being inserted, Raymond’s condition worsened.
He passed away on Jan. 8.
Dr. Kelly said, that although she could only speak in general terms because of patient privacy, a tube called a catheter is inserted using an ultrasound for guidance to drain fluid or air from the space between the lung and the chest wall.
Following such procedures, patients would receive an X-ray to make sure the tube was placed properly, and X-rays would be taken daily and sometimes even several times a day, to make sure the drain was working.
Before the procedure, she said, the doctor will let a patient know that puncturing the lung is a potential risk, even though it is extremely rare.
In Raymond’s case, the doctor in charge of the procedure noted in a letter to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, that upon completion of the procedure, Raymond did not report any discomfort or concern, and there was no indication of a lung injury or any other procedure-related complication.
“There is no role for imaging immediately following uncomplicated catheter placement,” wrote the doctor, noting that further management, including imaging, was under the responsibility of the hospitalist.
“The ultrasound image at the time of the procedure confirmed good catheter position,” they wrote.
The doctor also noted they obtained both verbal and written informed consent from Raymond about the risks of the procedure.
Doris said she does not recall any imaging taking place and claimed the hospital won’t release the signed consent form.
The college received letters from all six of the doctors involved in Raymond’s care, five of which mention other health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, and renal failure.
But, Doris noted that Raymond had seen specialists, over the last two years, whose assessments didn’t give the couple any reason for concern.
In their notes, the doctor who discharged Raymond said they expressed concern that Raymond was not in good condition to go home. Doris is adamant this is not true and named two witnesses.
Doris said she is not interested in suing the hospital, she just wants an honest answer as to whether the punctured lung contributed to Raymond’s quick decline and death. But she said she feels like there is a veil of secrecy and a lack of honesty from the hospital.
She also wants to see imaging done in the future to make sure issues – like a punctured lung – are discovered promptly.
“I don’t want any money. It’s not going to bring my hubby back,” she said.