In January, Normand Meunier arrived at a hospital in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, suffering from a respiratory virus. Unfortunately, weeks later, he developed a severe bedsore that prompted him to consider medical assistance in dying (MAID).
At 66, Meunier was a former truck driver who became paralyzed in his arms and legs due to a spinal cord injury in 2022. During this winter, he was admitted to intensive care for his third respiratory virus in three months after spending four days on a stretcher in the emergency room.
His partner, Sylvie Brosseau, reported that the lack of a specialized mattress for Meunier led to a significant pressure sore on his buttocks, which escalated to expose bone and muscle—complicating his recovery and future prognosis. “Ninety-five hours on a stretcher is unacceptable,” Brosseau mentioned in an interview with Radio-Canada.
Brosseau frequently communicated Meunier’s quadriplegic status to hospital staff, emphasizing the necessity for an alternating pressure mattress, yet was informed that the bed had to be ordered.
Consequences of Neglect
According to Jean-Pierre Beauchemin, a retired geriatrician, patients lying in the same position for extended periods are at significant risk for pressure sores. These sores can develop quickly and may take an extended period to heal. A regular rotation schedule every two hours is generally recommended for bedridden individuals, as specified by Quebec’s Health Ministry.
Meunier had experienced previous bedsores but none as severe as the one he developed after his hospitalization. On the day before his death, he opted for medically assisted death, expressing discomfort with being a burden given the bleak future anticipated due to his condition.
Calls for Accountability
Advocate Steven Laperrière criticized the situation, deeming it a “crying shame” and pointing out the negligence of the healthcare institution. He emphasized that acquiring the necessary mattress shouldn’t be a significant challenge and lamented the lack of professionalism shown to Meunier during his care.
The local health authority, CISSS des Laurentides, stated it is taking the case seriously and conducting an internal investigation. They noted that while they have a stock of therapeutic mattresses, such specialized equipment is not typically available in emergency rooms, where stretchers are utilized.
Societal Reflections
Trudo Lemmens, a health law professor, described this case as indicative of systemic issues affecting already vulnerable individuals within the healthcare system. He criticized the more accessible availability of MAID compared to basic healthcare services and urged for significant reforms. An advocacy group, Moelle épinière et motricité Québec (MÉMO-Qc), joined Brosseau in demanding an independent investigation into Meunier’s death, questioning the adequacy of the health authority’s inquiry.
The health minister, Christian Dubé, stated he would wait for the internal investigation report before considering an independent inquiry. “We can say it’s the exception, but it’s unacceptable what happened,” he remarked.
