Less than a year after the end of a coroner's inquest into her daughter's death, Sharon Shore hopes to participate at another inquest - this one probing the death of Sanchia Bulgin, 17, who died in the same ward at the Hospital for Sick Children. She has requested official standing at the inquest, which would give her the right to question doctors and nurses and call evidence. ``The reason why I'm asking for standing is that I want to make sure no more children die unnecessarily,'' Shore said. Sanchia died last September on Ward 5 A/B - the unit that cares for general surgery and orthopedic patients - after undergoing non-life-threatening surgery to remove her gall bladder. Unmonitored by doctors and nurses, the teenager, who had sickle-cell anemia, bled to death internally. The hospital later accepted responsibility for her death. Chief Coroner James Young ordered an inquest into Sanchia's death because the circumstances in her case were so similar to those of 10-year-old Lisa Shore. Lisa was found dead in her bed on Oct. 22, 1998, less than 12 hours after she arrived at the emergency department with leg pain caused by a non-life-threatening condition. The jury at an inquest was told her nurses failed to monitor her for the possible deadly effects of morphine. Shore told Young, in a Jan. 19 letter, that she feels she can contribute to the inquest because her ``personal experience'' will allow her to offer ``a distinct and unique perspective.'' Her reasons for wanting to participate, through the calling of evidence and examination of witnesses, include:
The relevance of recommendations from her daughter's inquest to the circumstances surrounding Sanchia's death.
The need to review suggestions made by the Shore family at Lisa's inquest that were rejected by the hospital.
A concern that Lisa's death should not be in vain.
The public interest: ``I will represent, in addition to my own private interests, parents whose children are or will become patients at the hospital.'' At the heart of the application is Shore's assertion she has learned how to get information out of the hospital. ``At the Lisa Shore inquest, the Hospital for Sick Children was not forthcoming in disclosing information, and was adversarial,'' the letter states.
`Lisa went through the same situation, so (Shore) has a lot of experience'
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``The Shore family contributed heavily to the investigative process and the uncovering of information that the hospital did not voluntarily disclose.'' Young is expected to decide on Shore's request when the inquest begins sometime this spring, after consulting with other parties in the case. Sanchia's mother, Stephanie Bulgin, said she would welcome Shore's participation at the inquest.
``Lisa went through the same situation, so she has a lot of experience with the inquest process, and I think any questions she has will be valuable for everyone,'' she said. Hospital spokesperson Cyndy DeGiusti said the hospital has not yet decided what position it will take. Young could not be reached for comment. |
