Sask. Health Minister wants review of Margaret Warholm case

Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan is calling for a review into care at Santa Maria Special Care Home in Regina.

This comes after the children of Margaret Warholm said they believe she died prematurely last year at least in part because of the treatment she received in the long-term care facility.

Warholm, 74, was livingin the Santa Maria care facility due to a condition known as spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the spaces in the spine. Warholm died in hospital on Oct. 6, 2013, three days after leaving the facility.

Duncan is now asking for an investigation.

This morning, Warholm's family spoke to Minister Duncan's office and they received a letter he sent to ombudsman Mary McFadyen.

"I am writing to formally request an investigation into care at Santa Maria Special Care Home in Regina," Duncan wrote. "Her family has raised concerns that a lack of care was a factor in her death."

• ON MOBILE?: Click here to read Dustin Duncan's letter the ombudsman

Santa Maria is an affiliate of the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

"I am requesting that you investigate the circumstances surrounding Margaret Warholm's care and death and whether the provincial special care home guidelines were followed in this case."

The children said their mother's condition deteriorated after she was accidentally dropped, in August of 2013, when care aides were trying to move her into a wheelchair.