A Quebec man’s MAID decision after a preventable bedsore has sparked a coroner’s inquest and raised questions of medical negligence.
Ignored Pleas, Lasting Pain: A Quebec Tragedy Unfolds
A coroner’s inquest is underway in Montreal after the medically assisted death of Normand Meunier, a quadriplegic man whose health deteriorated rapidly following an extended emergency room stay. His partner, Sylvie Brosseau, says repeated warnings to hospital staff were ignored—warnings she believes could have saved his life.
A Life of Resilience and Hope Cut Short
Meunier, known for his love of the outdoors and determination to live fully despite his physical limitations, entered the St-Jérôme hospital with a strong will and dreams intact. But those hopes were shattered after he was left unattended on a stretcher for 96 hours, developing a severe bedsore that ultimately never healed.
Repeated Requests for Care Overlooked
Brosseau, who stood outside the courtroom where the inquest is being held, told reporters that she had repeatedly asked for a therapeutic mattress, one designed specifically to prevent pressure injuries in vulnerable patients.
“I felt invisible,” she said. “I told them what Normand needed, but no one listened.”
Her warnings, she claims, were dismissed by hospital staff—an omission she believes played a direct role in Meunier’s irreversible condition.
A Decision Born of Desperation
Two months after the injury, Meunier applied for medical assistance in dying (MAID), citing unbearable pain and a deteriorating quality of life. He passed away on March 29, 2024, surrounded by questions his family still demands answers to.
Hospital Silence and Growing Public Concern
The inquest aims to determine whether lapses in care contributed to Meunier’s death and whether systemic failures played a role. The hospital has not yet commented publicly.
Brosseau hopes her testimony will shed light on how vulnerable patients, particularly those with disabilities, can fall through the cracks in Canada’s healthcare system.
A Case That Demands Accountability
Meunier’s story is sparking a broader conversation about patient rights, medical oversight, and how families of patients are treated when raising concerns.
As the inquest continues, many are watching closely—not just for justice in Meunier’s case, but for change that ensures no one else is left voiceless in moments of urgent need.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for continuing coverage.
