A Quebec coroner is urging the province’s health authorities to improve their efforts in preventing and treating patients with spinal cord injuries following a tragic incident in March 2024. Normand Meunier, a quadriplegic man, sought medical assistance in dying due to severe bedsores that developed after spending four days on a stretcher in the overcrowded emergency room of Saint-Jérôme Hospital earlier that year.
The coroner’s report, released by Dave Kimpton, emphasizes the critical need for timely access to therapeutic mattresses for patients with spinal cord injuries. Kimpton also recommends the establishment of an advisory committee to enhance the prevention and treatment of bedsores through innovative tools and training, stressing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
During a public inquiry into Meunier’s case, testimonies revealed significant concerns about the lack of prioritization of Meunier’s care, despite repeated requests from his widow, Sylvie Brosseau, for a suitable mattress and attention to his deteriorating condition. This resulted in a breakdown of trust between Brosseau and hospital staff, culminating in Meunier’s decision to seek medical assistance in dying on March 4, leading to his passing on March 29.
The report highlights the insufficiency of equipment and poor communication within the healthcare system, as well as the need for a shift in institutional culture to value the expertise of patients and their partners in managing complex conditions like spinal cord injuries. Kimpton’s recommendations are directed towards various healthcare bodies and authorities involved in Meunier’s care, with an emphasis on improving care standards and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Acknowledging Brosseau’s unwavering advocacy for her husband, Kimpton describes her as a “real warrior” and calls for broader support for individuals with spinal cord injuries who may not have the same level of advocacy. The hope is that implementing a comprehensive approach based on the coroner’s recommendations will bring about positive change in the healthcare system.