Witness Testimony
Keywords from Transcript
Premature Ventilation Concern, Oxygen Shortage Explanation, STARS Air Transfer, Anesthesiologist Availability Issue, Mask Versus Ventilator Dispute, Ivermectin Request Refusal, Proning Improvement Observation, ICU Sepsis Infection, Organ Failure From Infection, Comfort Care Discussion, Visitation Protocol Denial, COVID Recovered Signage, N95 Mask Requirement, End-Of-Life Restrictions, Ventilator Removal Dispute
Included in the Report:
Ms. Martha Voth
Private Citizen
Personal Experience
Witness ID:
NCI-W-097
Hearing
Winnipeg
Manitoba
Date:
April 14, 2023
Report
Inquiry into the Appropriateness and Efficacy of the COVID-19 Response in Canada; November 2023
Main Topic
Testimony alleging premature ventilation, denial of in-person access due to protocol, refusal of requested treatments, ICU-acquired infection, and restrictive end-of-life conditions during her husband’s COVID hospitalization.
One Line Summary
Martha Voth testified that her husband was ventilated despite apparent improvement on oxygen, later developed a fatal ICU infection, and that strict hospital protocols limited family access and treatment options before his death.
Synopsis
Martha Voth testified that in May 2021 her husband Alvin, age 66, was admitted to Bethesda Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 and experiencing breathing difficulty. She stated that although he reported feeling improved on oxygen via face mask, physicians decided to intubate and ventilate him. According to her testimony, she was told this decision was influenced by oxygen supply limitations, anesthesiologist shift availability, and the imminent arrival of a STARS air ambulance. She further testified that STARS personnel allegedly questioned why ventilation was necessary, as he appeared stable on oxygen.
After transfer to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Alvin remained in a medically induced coma. Voth testified that she requested ivermectin but was told only “scientifically and medically proven” treatments would be used. She described daily updates, video calls, and observations that indicated improved his vital statistics. On June 8, she was informed that infected IV ports had caused a bloodstream infection and organ failure. On June 10, the family was asked to consider comfort care. She testified that a sign reading “COVID recovered” was posted on his room door and that staff acknowledged the fatal infection was ICU-acquired rather than active COVID.
Voth further testified that when reporting temporarily improved his condition, the family was required to leave due to protocol. On June 25, after being told he would not survive the day, the family gathered at his bedside and ultimately agreed to withdrawal of life support after midnight. She stated that staff initially refused to remove the ventilator tubing fully due to COVID transmission concerns but relented after discussion. Alvin died approximately seven minutes after life support was removed. Voth concluded that in her view, continued oxygen mask support rather than ventilation may have altered the outcome and that rigid hospital protocols prevented potentially beneficial family presence and alternative treatment consideration.
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