Coroner’s inquest announced for man who opted for MAID after developing bedsores in hospital

Quebec Coroner Launches Public Inquiry into Medical Assistance in Dying CaseQuebec Coroner Launches Public Inquiry into Medical Assistance in Dying Case Quebec’s chief coroner has initiated a public inquiry into the death of Normand Meunier, who sought medical assistance to end his life after experiencing complications during a hospital stay. The inquiry, led by coroner Dave Kimpton, follows a request from Public Safety Minister François Bonnardel. According to the Coroner’s Office, the investigation aims to gather perspectives on the circumstances surrounding Meunier’s death and to identify contributing factors. The goal is to issue recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. In January 2024, 66-year-old Meunier, who had paralysis, sought treatment for a respiratory virus at the Saint-Jérôme hospital. He later developed severe pain in his buttocks, leading him to request medical aid to die on March 29th. Meunier’s death sparked controversy in the Quebec legislature, with opposition parties demanding an independent investigation. They raised concerns about potential abuse and described his case as a “real shame” for the province. Consequently, Health Minister Christian Dubé approved the request for an inquest. Additionally, the CISSS des Laurentides initiated an internal investigation. The dates for the coroner’s inquest hearings will be announced in due course. The findings and recommendations of the inquiry are expected to provide insights into the circumstances that led to Meunier’s death and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Quebec’s chief coroner has opened a public inquiry into the death of Normand Meunier, the man who used medical assistance to end his life after complications during a stay at Saint-Jérôme hospital.

The public inquiry, which was to be chaired by coroner Dave Kimpton, was prompted by a request from Public Safety Minister François Bonnardel.

According to the Coroner’s Office, it will “enable any interested person to express their views on the circumstances of this death in order to analyze all contributing factors, with a view to issuing recommendations to prevent deaths under similar circumstances.”

Last January, Normand Meunier, a 66-year-old man with paralysis, went to the hospital in Saint-Jérôme to treat a respiratory virus. He developed a great pressing pain on his buttocks and on March 29 he resorted to medical aid to die to end his suffering.

Meunier’s death sparked widespread reaction in the Quebec legislature, where opposition parties united in calling for an independent investigation, alleging abuse and calling his death a “real shame” for the province.

Health Minister Christian Dubé accepted their request. The regional health council, the CISSS des Laurentides, also launched an internal investigation.

Details of the coroner’s inquest, including the dates of the hearings, will be announced at a later date.

– This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 25, 2024.