Newfoundland Widow Advocates for Nursing Reforms After Tragic Loss

Susanna Rumbolt is calling for significant reforms in the nursing sector following the death of her husband, Tim Rumbolt, who passed away while undergoing cancer treatment in Newfoundland and Labrador. Tim, a dedicated father and community member, died on March 23, 2024, from a blood clot that Susanna believes could have been prevented with better medical attention.

Tim was diagnosed with colon cancer in November 2023 at the age of 42 and began chemotherapy at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony in January 2024. During his treatment, he experienced leg pain, which he and Susanna reported to both a cancer nurse and a physician. They expressed concerns about a potential blood clot, but Susanna claims their worries were dismissed.

The couple was advised that the pain might be due to low magnesium levels, despite tests showing no deficiencies. No follow-up tests were conducted at that time, and within 48 hours, Tim’s condition worsened significantly. Susanna recalls insisting on further examinations, but their concerns were again brushed aside by medical staff, who suggested that Tim’s pain could stem from varicose veins.

On the morning of March 23, Susanna found Tim unresponsive after he collapsed in their home. Despite her efforts to perform CPR and subsequent medical interventions, Tim was pronounced dead later that day. His autopsy report indicated that he died from a “massive pulmonary embolism secondary to deep venous thrombosis,” a complication often linked to cancer patients.

“What if they’d listened?” Susanna asks, reflecting on the missed opportunities for diagnosis. She believes that had the medical staff acted on their concerns, Tim might still be alive today. The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network highlights that blood clots are a significant risk for cancer patients, with approximately 20-25 percent diagnosed at some point during their treatment.

In the wake of Tim’s death, Susanna received a text from the oncology nurse expressing feelings of responsibility. “I feel responsible for Tim’s death,” the message read. Susanna did not respond at that time, focusing instead on her grief and the necessary paperwork following her husband’s passing.

Following her husband’s death, she filed a complaint with the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL), detailing her experiences. The college subsequently interviewed the nurse involved, who claimed to have advised Tim and Susanna to seek emergency care. Susanna strongly disputes this account, stating that Tim was never advised to visit the emergency department.

The CRNNL dismissed Susanna’s complaint, citing a lack of evidence to support her claims. Although the nurse was reprimanded for her communication practices, Susanna remains frustrated by the decision, particularly regarding the inaccuracies in the medical notes from Tim’s appointments.

In a statement, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services expressed condolences to Tim’s family and emphasized their commitment to professional standards in patient care. They clarified that registered nurses do not have the authority to diagnose or order tests unless they have received additional training, which is not generally the case with oncology nurses.

Susanna is advocating for reforms in nursing practices, particularly concerning the treatment of cancer patients who report symptoms like leg pain. She believes that changes are necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Tim deserves accountability. I deserve the accountability,” she states, underscoring her wish for an apology and systemic changes to healthcare protocols.

As Susanna continues to seek justice for her husband, she hopes that her efforts will lead to improved training for oncology nurses and better protocols for assessing leg pain in cancer patients. Ultimately, she aims to ensure that no other families endure the heartache she has faced.