A Quebec coroner, Karine Spénard, has concluded that the death of a 48-year-old woman following cosmetic surgery at a private clinic in Westmount on Nov. 1, 2022, was avoidable. The report cited serious failures, including the use of general anesthesia without an anesthesiologist, administration of potent opioids by an unregistered respiratory therapist, and the presence of unregistered nurses. The Quebec College of Physicians is investigating Dr. Sandra McGill, the clinic owner and surgeon.
Quebec coroner cites serious failings in woman’s death after cosmetic surgery
Montreal
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A Quebec coroner, Karine Spénard, has concluded that the death of a 48-year-old woman following cosmetic surgery at a private clinic in Westmount on Nov. 1, 2022, was avoidable. The report cited serious failures, including the use of general anesthesia without an anesthesiologist, administration of potent opioids by an unregistered respiratory therapist, and the presence of unregistered nurses. The Quebec College of Physicians is investigating Dr. Sandra McGill, the clinic owner and surgeon.
Trending- 1 Nov. 1, 2022: Woman underwent cosmetic surgery and died.
- 2 2024: Disciplinary hearing held for the respiratory therapist, who pleaded guilty.
- 3 Recently: Coroner Karine Spénard released her report.
- 4 Ongoing: Quebec College of Physicians is conducting investigations into Dr. McGill.
- Death of a 48-year-old woman
- Coroner's report citing serious failings and recommendations
- Respiratory therapist pleaded guilty to offenses in a disciplinary hearing and is no longer registered
- Quebec College of Physicians conducting investigations and accusing Dr. McGill of misconduct
- Recommendations for professional orders to review and improve patient care quality and public protection
What: A Quebec coroner's report identified serious failings by medical staff and the surgeon, Dr. Sandra McGill, leading to the avoidable death of a 48-year-old woman after cosmetic surgery. Failings included unauthorized general anesthesia, administration of sufentanil by an unregistered respiratory therapist, and the presence of unregistered nurses.
When: The surgery and death occurred on Nov. 1, 2022. The coroner's report was recently released. A disciplinary hearing for the respiratory therapist was held in 2024.
Where: The incident occurred at a private clinic in Westmount, Quebec. The deceased woman was from Mirabel.
Why: The death was caused by severe cerebral anoxia, resulting from multiple protocol breaches and professional misconduct during the surgery, including the absence of an anesthesiologist for general anesthesia, unauthorized drug administration, and the involvement of unregistered medical personnel.
How: The woman, intended for local anesthesia, was put under general anesthesia without an anesthesiologist present. A respiratory therapist administered sufentanil without informing the surgeon. Additionally, unregistered nurses were involved in the surgery and patient care.