Coroner says “operational issues” at Ornge contributed to 8 deaths

(Video updated)

Ontario’s Chief Coroner says operational issues at the province’s air ambulance service contributed to the deaths of as many as eight patients.

40 cases were reviewed by a panel of experts. They found that operational issues at Ornge definitely had an impact in two cases.

The review was launched last August, after the release of cabinet documents that showed the government investigated 26 deaths. Ornge has been under intense scrutiny since last year, when financial irregularities were uncovered.

Al Sweeney reports.

The service’s CEO, Dr Andrew McCallum, responded to the coroner’s report Monday afternoon. The news conference and can be viewed below.