'Why didn't anyone check on her' Family wants inquest into death of Winnipeg shelter woman left unchecked for hours.

Family members of a woman who died at a Winnipeg shelter and was left unattended for hours want a provincial inquest into her death, saying they need answers about why policies and protocols weren't followed and why a beloved mother and sister. was neglected in the last hours.

Cheryl Whitford was at the N'dinawemak shelter when she died in October 2022, and her body was not found for several hours.

CityNews staff learned that body and breath checks should be done every 15-30 minutes. But a source with knowledge of the death tells CityNews that Cheryl could still be alive if the tests had been carried out.

Officials at the shelter confirmed that Whitford was not checked for several hours after his death, but it is still a matter of debate whether SABE peace officers or Manitoba Chiefs Assembly staff were responsible for failing to properly check on Whitford.

Cheryl's sister says the loss has devastated her family and something needs to be done because the people who rely on the shelters are already vulnerable.

“Why didn't anyone check on him?” I said she came in at 4:00 p.m. and wasn't checked in until the next day,” said Tannis Whitford, Cheryl Whitford's sister. “Like any other publicly funded organization, there has to be accountability.

“When these things happen, we expect certain answers. And there is a certain level of trust due to the working shelters and the work they are doing. If I ever find myself in a situation where I need shelter, this will be a safe place. I mean, that's what shelter means, it protects us.”

Tannis, who is remembered as a kind, caring person who loved her family dearly and stood up for herself and others, said her sister's life changed after she suffered a broken back that required pain management.

Tannis Whitford, who felt she was over-prescribed and never properly cared for by medical professionals, said she was vulnerable if the injury and pain persisted.

While she knows the shelter is well-run and many staff members care, she says the fact that Whitford was not properly cared for in her time of need should be investigated to prevent future tragedies, her sister said. to help him.

“But there are different types of workers here and I understand that there are policies that have not been followed and that need to be looked at. Because we need this consistency in every way.”

Requests for comment on calls for the investigation were not returned by deadline Wednesday.

Shelter chairwoman Victoria Fisher said in an earlier statement that Whitford's death and other incidents are under investigation.

“We take all concerns seriously and any conclusions drawn from our review of these incidents will be duly taken and, where appropriate, shared with relevant funders and stakeholders. “Out of respect for the next of kin and the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on any specifics at this time,” Fisher said.

Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said in a statement that her office was investigating the death, saying, “My heart goes out to Cheryl Whitford's loved ones. Homesteaders are often among the most vulnerable Manitobans. We will continue to work with partners to support those experiencing homelessness and get more people into safe, stable, long-term housing.”