IH concludes review into retired Kamloops doctor’s death

Apr 7, 2017 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — An Interior Health review into the emergency room death of Dr. Rajindar Joneja last month has found no fault in either personnel or policy at Royal Inland Hospital.

Joneja, a longtime Kamloops neurologist and psychiatrist, died in his wife’s arms March 12 while waiting to see a doctor.

It was later determined he died of cardiac failure.

Joneja’s death led to his wife, Dr. Janice Joneja, to write a heartfelt letter to government and hospital officials, calling for improvements at RIH.

IH CEO Chris Mazurkewich says an internal review has concluded nothing could have been done to save Joneja’s life.

“The review’s conclusion was that standards of protocol were followed. The outcome was unfortunate, but there is no fault for any employee or physician involved in the care,” said Mazurkewich.

“The clinical review, unfortunately, with the patient’s condition, was such that nothing could have been done to change the outcome. That’s unfortunate, and sometimes that’s just what happens, no matter what services are provided.”

IH officials have met with Janice Joneja and with the staff members involved, and conveyed the results of the review.

Mazurkewich says he was personally disappointed to see insensitive comments made on social media by those who weren’t fully aware of the facts.

He notes one staff member had to take stress leave due to the social media fallout.

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