Michael Patrick Robilard passed away on Sept. 5. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

Calling for answers

‘He should not have died this way’: Prince Albert family calls for inquest after man’s death in detox

Sep 18, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Raelene Adam wipes away tears as she reflects on the fact she will never see her brother walk through the door again.

Michael Robillard died Sept. 4 at the Brief and Social Detox in Prince Albert. Adam told paNOW the family was initially told he passed away at home.

“Had he passed that way it would have been more comforting I guess for the family because we would have known he never suffered,” she said. “When I found out he died in detox, it changed absolutely everything.”

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is currently investigating and they have not released any further details. Yet Adam, who has connections to Victoria hospital because she is a registered nurse, said she was told her brother who had long struggled with an alcohol addiction, initially went to the emergency room. At 11:30 a.m.he was discharged to detox. At 4:30 p.m. that afternoon, Robillard was found deceased. Adam noted her brother would not have gone to the hospital if he wasn’t scared.

“He should not have died this way,” she said.

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls

45m ago

regular season

Ice Wolves ready for home opener against defending SJHL champion Mustangs

16h ago

Calling for answers

'He should not have died this way': Prince Albert family calls for inquest after man's death in detox

16h ago

A picture of Robillard and his two siblings. (Submitted)

Referring to her own training, Adam explained they are taught as soon as a patient comes in with withdrawal symptoms, staff automatically initiate the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA). The assessment provides a sort of checklist as to how proceed, including whether to administer medication.

“This was negligence. He died somewhere between 11:30 and 4:30 and that’s five hours,” she said.

When asked what she remembers most about her big brother, Adam recalled how he always had something to tell you. She added he was also empathetic and loving and like all big brothers knew how to push his little sister’s buttons.

“But then he’d change it so I wasn’t mad at him anymore and he’d just walk through my door and be like ‘hey sis what’s up’..and now I’ll never hear that again.”

At the time of Robillard’s passing, Rural and Remote Health Critic Jared Clarke provided a statement:

“It’s tragic whenever someone dies while waiting for care. We’re awaiting the results of the provincial government’s investigation and are very concerned by this incident,” Clarke said.

Robillard’s wake and funeral services were held last week in Prince Albert. He had two daughters and was the godfather of Adam’s daughter.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @@nigelmaxwell