A Surrey woman is demanding answers after her mother collapsed and died in the Peace Arch Hospital parking lot just moments after being discharged from the emergency room. The incident occurred in March 2026, and the family says they have received no explanation from hospital officials.
Collapse in the Parking Lot
According to the daughter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, her mother was discharged from Peace Arch Hospital's emergency department after being treated for what the family believed was a serious condition. Within minutes of leaving the building, the mother collapsed in the parking lot. Bystanders attempted to help, but she could not be revived.
“I’m a fighter like my mom was,” the daughter told Vancouver News. “She fought through everything, and I’m not going to stop until I get answers.”
Lack of Communication
The daughter says she has repeatedly contacted Peace Arch Hospital and Fraser Health Authority, but has not received a clear explanation of why her mother was discharged or what caused her death. She has requested medical records and an internal review, but says the process has been slow and opaque.
“They just keep telling me they’re investigating, but it’s been months,” she said. “I want to know what happened to my mom. Was there a misdiagnosis? Was she stable enough to leave?”
Broader Concerns Over ER Care
The case has raised broader concerns about emergency room discharge practices and patient safety in British Columbia. According to a recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, emergency department wait times in B.C. have increased by 15% over the past five years, and patient complaints about premature discharges are rising.
Dr. Sarah Jones, an emergency medicine specialist at the University of British Columbia, said that while most discharges are appropriate, cases like this highlight the need for thorough assessment before sending patients home. “If a patient has a condition that could deteriorate rapidly, they should be observed longer or given clear follow-up instructions,” she said.
Family Seeks Legal Action
The family is now consulting with a medical malpractice lawyer and considering legal action. They hope that by speaking out, they can prevent similar tragedies and push for better protocols at Peace Arch Hospital.
“I don’t want another family to go through what we’ve been through,” the daughter said. “My mom deserved better.”
