Sask. Gov’t confirms investigation after former Pine Grove inmate passes away in hospital

Stating the government’s primary concern in all of of the province’s correctional facilities is the safety of the inmates, the staff, the public and the facility itself, the ministry explained when something like this occurs, Corrections conducts an investigation so they can prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

“Additionally, we will be undertaking a review of healthcare services at Pine Grove Correctional Centre to ensure we are meeting the needs of female offenders in custody,” they added.

The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety said it will not be releasing any additional details on this death, as it is still subject to ongoing investigation by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

But they also noted depending on the circumstances, details surrounding a death may be made public through the coroner’s inquest process. The Coroners Service will make the final decision on whether to hold an inquest into a death, subject to the requirements set out in The Coroner’s Act.

Last month when paNOW was initially contacted about the woman’s situation, multiple inmates who were close to her, explained she had been at the correctional centre for roughly six days and was sick when she came in.

Noting how the woman was labelled by staff as a withdrawing addict, the inmates said they had done their best to care for her, keeping her hydrated and even assisting her with walking to the bathroom. the initial call to 9-1-1 was made after another inmate contacted their own mother, explaining what was happening.

That mother who also spoke to paNOW said she informed the dispatcher the inmate at PGCC was throwing up and her skin was purple.

Due to a patient’s health privacy, the cause of the woman’s sickness cannot be confirmed by the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety.

Conditions at Pine Grove were most recently brought to light in February, following two inmate deaths.

Tatiana Custer, 23, died in early January and was initially found unresponsive in a common area of the institution. She was later declared deceased in hospital.

The following month, 24-year-old Madalaine Puyack, was found unresponsive in a living unit and like Custer, was also transported to a local hospital and later declared deceased.

Earlier this month, Corrections and Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer posted a message on her social media page, indicating her plans to send a letter to the Minister for Corrections and Policing, and calling on him to take urgent action before another woman dies. She noted that through her own conversations with inmates and organizations that work at Pine Grove, she believes these deaths were preventable.

“Women should not be dying while in custody. Women should have access to timely and adequate medical care,” she wrote.

Sarauer also mentioned this is not a new issue, going on to note that in 2015, 27-year-old Shauna Wolf died while in custody. As a result of a coroner’s inquest, the jury made several recommendations to the Ministry relating to access to medical treatment.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Sask. Gov’t confirms investigation after former Pine Grove inmate passes away in hospital

What's Trending