Key Takeaways:
- A widower, Sam Weeper, has started a petition to open Dunedin Hospital’s catheterisation laboratory 24/7 after his wife’s death due to delayed treatment.
- The petition aims to prevent similar situations where patients are denied timely care due to the lab’s limited hours.
- The Weepers family believes that the delay in treatment contributed to Sheralyn’s death and wants to ensure that no other family has to go through the same experience.
- The petition has gained support from the community, including healthcare workers, and will close on January 25.
Introduction to the Petition
The story of Sam Weeper, a Dunedin widower, is a heart-wrenching one. His wife, Sheralyn, a te reo Māori teacher at Bayfield High School, passed away two years ago due to complications from a heart condition. The family believes that a delay in admittance to Dunedin Hospital’s catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) contributed to her death. In an effort to ensure that no other family has to go through the same experience, Sam has started a petition to open the cath lab 24/7. The petition, set up by the Sheralyn Tipene-Weepers Charitable Trust, is gaining support from the community, and Sam is determined to make a difference.
The Tragic Events Leading to Sheralyn’s Death
On May 13, 2022, Sheralyn went to Dunedin Hospital at 11pm, where she was diagnosed with symptoms of a heart attack. Despite her medical history, which included a previous diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection, the cardiologist on call was not summoned. Sam was told that his wife would have to wait until Monday to be seen, and she was fourth on the priority list. The delay in treatment proved to be fatal, as Sheralyn’s heart suffered irreparable damage, and she was soon diagnosed with heart failure. The family’s hopes for a transplant were dashed when Sheralyn died unexpectedly due to a suspected ventricular fibrillation.
The Fight for Change
For over a year, Sam has been protesting the weekend closure of the cath lab by standing outside Dunedin Hospital. He believes that the lab should be open to anyone who needs it, regardless of the day of the week. Sam’s determination to make a difference has led him to start a petition, which has gained support from the community, including healthcare workers. The petition aims to ensure that the cath lab is open 24/7, providing timely care to those who need it. Sam’s message is clear: "Just because it’s a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, it shouldn’t matter – it should be open for anyone who needs it."
The Response from Health New Zealand
In response to the situation, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has stated that it stands by its decision not to treat Sheralyn in the cath lab during the weekend. The organization claims to have completed a thorough internal review of the case and is satisfied with the assessment and treatment provided. However, Sam and his family disagree, believing that the delay in treatment contributed to Sheralyn’s death. The debate highlights the need for a review of the current system and the importance of providing timely care to those who need it.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Sam emphasizes the importance of early intervention in cardiology care, stating that the longer it takes to take action, the more heart muscle that dies. He believes that his wife’s heart muscle died significantly due to the delay in treatment, and he wants to ensure that others do not suffer the same fate. The petition is a call to action, urging the government to provide adequate funding for public health and to ensure that hospitals have the resources they need to provide timely care.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The petition will close on January 25, a date that holds special significance for Sam and his wife, as it is the day they got engaged. With 113 official signatures so far, the petition is gaining momentum, and Sam is hopeful that it will lead to change. The story of Sam and Sheralyn serves as a reminder of the importance of timely care and the need for a review of the current system. As Sam says, "I want her to be remembered, so her life was not a waste, that she’s honoured." The petition is a step towards ensuring that Sheralyn’s legacy lives on and that others do not suffer the same fate.