Racism, discrimination may lead to First Nations patients leaving emergency rooms: Alberta study

Systemic racism and inequity in health care may be contributing to why First Nations patients in Alberta disproportionately leave emergency departments without being seen, or against medical advice, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Patrick McLane, an adjunct associate professor at the University of Alberta, has been studying the quality of emergency care for First Nations patients. Another participant mentioned overhearing a racist rant at a nurses' station in an emergency department. In a Friday statement, AHS spokesperson Kerry Williamson said the agency acknowledges that some Indigenous people face barriers accessing care because they do not feel safe or welcome within the healthcare system."By creating meaningful relationships and listening to Indigenous communities, we will continue to build partnerships that improve the health and wellness of Indigenous patients and families together," Williamson said.

Dr. James Makokis, a family physician from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, said emergency care providers should be following basic triage principles, taking patients' vital signs and taking extra steps to communicate and check in with Indigenous patients.

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Feds fund wildfire emergency co-ordinators for 48 Alberta First NationsThe federal government is providing all Alberta First Nations with an emergency co-ordinator to help plan for and respond to wildfires.
Source: GlobalCalgary - 🏆 50. / 61 Read more »

First Nations men wrongfully convicted in Manitoba file lawsuits claiming racismTwo First Nations men, who served 11 and 23 years after being wrongfully convicted of 1973 murder, file lawsuits claiming racial discrimination
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »

First Nations men wrongfully convicted in Manitoba file lawsuits claiming racismWINNIPEG — Two First Nations men wrongfully convicted of murdering a restaurant worker are suing three levels of government saying their imprisonment was the result of racial discrimination.
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »

First Nations men wrongfully convicted in Manitoba file lawsuits claiming racismWINNIPEG — Two First Nations men wrongfully convicted of murdering a restaurant worker are suing three levels of government saying their imprisonment was the result of racial discrimination.
Source: SooToday - 🏆 8. / 85 Read more »

Western Canada: Elections Alberta turns its eyes to Take Back Alberta and its leaderThe Globe and Mail offers the most authoritative news in Canada, featuring national and international news
Source: globebusiness - 🏆 31. / 66 Read more »

For new Alberta wildfire fighters, mental health and fatigue are top of mindAlberta Wildfire recruits are seen during a training exercise in Hinton, Alberta.
Source: CBCNews - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »