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The Gritty NurseAuthor: Amie Archibald-Varley
The Gritty Nurse is back, and NO TOPIC is off-limits! Launching in September 2025 with host Amie Archibald Varley, this podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of nurses and others who work in healthcare to explore the most pressing issues they face. Join Amie as she continues to take a deep dive into powerful and often uncomfortable topics. Though shared experriences, storytelling and the discussions surrounding the intersection of power, we will navigate the challenges facing healthcare nationally and internationally--as of course--challenge the status quo. The show's core belief remains unwavering: that compassion is the through understanding diverse narratives and perspectives is KEY. Amie will continue to explore hot-button issues like mental health, social justice, women's health, and the daily challenges within the nursing profession. The Gritty Nurse is more than just a podcastit's a community where nurses and healthcare workers can feel heard, empowered, and recognized as the community leaders they truly are. Change is HERE. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Finlay's Voice: A Mother's Fight to Fix Canada's ER Crisis with Hazel van der Werken
Episode 3
Thursday, 15 January, 2026
How long is too long to wait in an emergency room? For 16-year-old Finlay van der Werken, an eight-hour wait for a doctor proved fatal. In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Hazel van der Werken to share the heartbreaking story of her son, Finlay. After being rushed to an Ontario hospital with what began as a migraine, Finlay was triaged as an CTAS 2 (urgent case) but left in a "constant state of terror" for hours as his oxygen levels plummeted. By the time he was finally seen, he was in septic shock. Hazel discusses the systemic failures that led to Finlay's preventable death and why she is now channeled her grief into Finlay's Voice—a national movement demanding urgent reform in pediatric emergency care. In this episode, we dive into: Finlay's Story: The harrowing 8-hour wait at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Sepsis Awareness: Identifying the "silent killer" that the WHO has named a global health priority. The Legislative Push: What is Finlay's Law, and how would it mandate maximum wait times and safe staffing ratios for children? Advocacy in Action: How parents and healthcare providers can support Finlay's Petition to ensure "no child dies waiting." This is a must-listen for nurses, healthcare advocates, and parents. It's time to move from complacency to action to protect our most vulnerable patients. About the Guest: Hazel van der Werken is the mother of Finlay and the co-founder of Finlay's Voice. She is currently advocating for a coroner's inquest and the passage of Finlay's Law in Ontario. Connect with The Gritty Nurse: Follow Amie Archibald-Varley for more episodes on healthcare reform and nursing advocacy. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Important Links & Resources: Sign Finlay's Petition: https://www.finlaysvoice.com/finlay-s-law Learn More about Finlay's Law & Voice: https://www.finlaysvoice.com/ Please, like, follow and SUBSCRIBE!! Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast Stay Connected: Website: grittynurse.com Instagram: @grittynursepod TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482 X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com
