THUNDER BAY – A judge has ruled a former Fort Frances nurse, who is currently serving a two-year sentence for her role in the 2015 death of 76-year-old Hermina Fletcher, must pay the family’s estate $130,000 in damages.
The civil case was filed in 2021 by Hermina’s son, Melvin Fletcher Jr., and granddaughter, Melissa Fletcher, against Lindsey Coyle and Riverside Healthcare Facilities that administers La Verendrye Hospital. The original statement of claim was seeking $3 million in damages.
Coyle was first arrested in 2019 by the Ontario Provincial Police and charged with second-degree murder.
In August 2022, Coyle pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of criminal negligence causing death and was sentenced in January 2024 to two years in custody.
The court heard Coyle, who was working as a registered practical nurse at La Verendrye Hospital in January 2015, altered Fletcher’s medication administration record to steal morphine for her own personal use.
Fletcher died as a result of acute morphine toxicity after the increased medication administration record was not changed back to what was prescribed by the doctor.
Coyle admitted to stealing drugs from the hospital and being high while at work. Court documents further revealed that Riverside identified discrepancies in medication records during Coyle’s shifts involving 58 in-patients, 25 emergency patients, and up to 35 fabricated patients.
The judge’s decision in the civil case was reached after Coyle failed to serve a defence. Coyle will be required to pay $130,000 in damages and costs as well as pre- and post-judgment interest.
The Fletcher family called on the Ministry of Health to launch an investigation into Riverside Healthcare Facilities but it has decline to do so.
Correction: The original story incorrectly stated the Fletcher family settled with Riverside Healthcare for $65,000. According to court documents the claim against the hospital has settled and the action against the hospital was dismissed.
