Coroner calls inquest into Watson Lake hospital deaths

Yukon's chief coroner has called an inquest into the deaths of Teresa Scheunert and Mary Johnny following treatment at the Watson Lake hospital.

Kirsten Macdonald says she will hold a single inquest into both of the deaths.

Scheunert, 47, went to the Watson Lake hospital in 2012 with severe back pain. She died from being given a toxic mix of painkillers. 

Mary Johnny, 60, died in August 2012 of a bowel obstruction, after being misdiagnosed with alcohol withdrawal.  

Scheunert's family has been calling for a public inquiry as opposed to an inquest. 

"I was hoping for an inquiry but if that's the only thing that can be done, I guess that's what will be done," said Scheunert's daughter Crystal Thomas. "We were hoping for some answers and maybe this will provide us some."

The inquest is scheduled to take place from March 24 to April 4 in Whitehorse. Macdonald says the inquest proceedings will be televised at the Yukon College campus in Watson Lake.