A Winnipeg hospital amputated the wrong leg of a First Nations man, sparking outrage and demands for an investigation into systemic healthcare issues.
A Winnipeg hospital is under intense scrutiny after a devastating surgical error led to the amputation of the wrong leg of a First Nations man. Jason Kennedy, 48, from Bloodvein First Nation, says he was admitted to Grace Hospital on October 31 with a bone infection in his right foot and expected an amputation to prevent its spread. Instead, he awoke to find that his left leg had been removed below the knee.
The incident has sparked outrage from Indigenous organizations and Manitoba’s Health Minister, leading to demands for a full and transparent investigation into how such a critical mistake occurred.
Calls for Accountability and Indigenous Representation
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) are demanding accountability and questioning whether racial bias played a role in the error.
“This tragic error, which left Mr. Kennedy in shock and disbelief upon waking from anesthesia, highlights ongoing systemic issues within healthcare delivery to First Nations Peoples,”
said the AMC in a statement.
“The AMC is calling for immediate action to ensure a full, transparent investigation into this incident and demands that the Assembly be a part of the review process.”
SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels called the situation “disturbing and nightmarish”, while the AMC’s Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy reiterated the need for First Nations representation in the review process.
Manitoba Government Promises Critical Incident Review
Manitoba’s Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara acknowledged the seriousness of the error and promised a full investigation, including a “critical incident review” to determine which protocols were not followed and what changes are needed.
“A critical incident review is being conducted to understand exactly how this incident happened, to evaluate all existing protocols, and to determine which protocols were not followed and what needs to change,”
said Asagwara.
Asagwara also confirmed that her office is working with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) to assess options for engaging external physician consultants and to strengthen existing healthcare protocols.
“My office is working with the WRHA to assess options for engaging external physician consultants to help determine how to change or strengthen existing protocols. We will take every necessary step to ensure that patients in Manitoba can put their trust in our healthcare.”
Additionally, Asagwara stated that the WRHA’s Indigenous Health Department would investigate whether racial bias played a role in the surgical error.
Hospital Response and Patient Impact
The WRHA has cited patient confidentiality in declining to release details but confirmed that members of the care team have met with Kennedy to offer their sincere apologies. A spokesperson stated that the review aims to identify system-wide lessons to prevent future errors.
For Kennedy, a former commercial fisherman, the amputation of the wrong leg has changed his life forever. While he remains focused on adjusting to his new reality, he is calling for more checks and balances in future surgeries and better community support for patients traveling for care.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kennedy is trying to remain positive and maintain his sense of humor. “I’m hoping for a hovercraft,” he joked.
Next Steps and Ongoing Review
As the investigation unfolds, Indigenous leaders continue to call for greater accountability and reforms to address systemic healthcare disparities for First Nations communities.
Kennedy’s cousin, Bloodvein Chief Lisa Young, has been supporting him and meeting with AMC and other Indigenous leaders to ensure that his case is thoroughly examined.
With public pressure mounting, all eyes are on the Manitoba government and the WRHA to deliver a transparent and meaningful response to one of the most shocking medical errors in recent memory.
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From Western Standard