FORT FRANCES, Ont. — The operator of LaVerendrye Hospital and a former nurse are facing a $3 million lawsuit from the family of a patient who died in the hospital six years ago.
A statement of claim has been filed by the estate of Hermina Fletcher together with her surviving son and granddaughter.
She was 76 years old when she passed away in January 2015.
The claim against Riverside Health Care Facilities and ex-nurse Lindsey Coyle alleges that she suffered intense pain for weeks, and ultimately died because Coyle stole her medication, because her pain medication was improperly administered, and because Coyle forged medical records related to the medication.
According to the statement the theft of the medication may have caused a third party to administer a heavy dose of medication to the patient "on the belief that she had not been responding to previous, lower doses which had, in fact, been stolen...or were not administered in their prescribed dosage."
It further states that in addition to its own liability for these events, Riverside is liable for the misconduct of its employee.
The plaintiffs' claims against Riverside and Coyle cite allegations of negligence, failure to supervise, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, misfeasance of public office, and civil fraud.
They also claim fraudulent concealment on the part of the defendants.
The $3 million in damages being sought includes $1 million in exemplary and punitive damages "in light of the disturbing circumstances of Mrs. Fletcher's death."
In 2019, Ontario Provincial Police charged Coyle with second-degree murder, theft, breach of trust, and uttering forged documents, following a review of Hermina Fletcher's death by the office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario.
Coyle had been employed by Riverside as a registered practical nurse.
The criminal case remains before the courts.
Neither the criminal charges nor the allegations in the civil suit have been proven in court.
