“SHA officials have met with members of the Uko family and formally apologized for the events that transpired in our facilities prior to the passing of Samwel Uko on May 21, 2020.
“Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone affected by Samwel’s passing and most especially his parents and extended family. Samwel was a vibrant young man who sought help from us and we failed to provide him the timely assistance he needed. There are no words that can bring Samwel back, but I do want the public to know that we recognize how deeply we failed him.
“As an organization, we are committed to enhance access to mental health supports across Saskatchewan. Samwel’s tragic experience with our health system will strengthen our resolve to advance this work.
“We thank Samwel’s family for their participation in our review of his care and for accepting our formal apology.”
In the early evening of May 21, 2020, Samwel Uko sought help from the Emergency Department at Regina General Hospital and was denied care.
Facts about the situation point to multiple factors influencing this tragic outcome rather than a single cause, including (but were not limited to) conflicting information on the patient’s identity; the process for registration of an unidentified patient was not utilized; information sharing practises with key partner organizations; the processes involving the removal of patients and/or visitors.
Additional areas for improvement were also identified around adaptation of COVID-19 screening practices, better coordination of mental health supports in the Emergency Department and additional staff awareness of Stop the Line protocols aimed at avoiding potential harm.
The rest of the quality improvement summary and recommendations can be read on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website: