An Alberta family is mourning the death of a relative who passed away mere hours after being discharged from a southern Alberta hospital. Phuong Nguyen, 59, was taken to Brooks Health Centre on April 18th experiencing chest pains. His niece, Nhi Nguyen, stated that tests including an ultrasound, heart attack assessment, and ECG showed normal results. Nguyen was discharged with a prescription for stomach pain after an eight-hour stay. Nhi Nguyen reported that her uncle continued to complain of chest pain and numbness in his legs, making it difficult for him to walk.
Nhi and her father assisted Phuong to their vehicle for the drive back to Calgary. Approximately 20 minutes into the journey on Highway 1, Nhi had to call 911 when Phuong stopped breathing. First responders, including the County of Newell Fire Service and EHS-Alberta paramedics, provided support and transported Phuong to the Bassano Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead. The family noted that Phuong had a pre-existing heart condition.
Alberta Health Services stated they take such situations seriously and that incidents are reviewed through established processes to understand circumstances and identify opportunities to improve patient safety and care. Phuong Nguyen is survived by his wife and two children.