Advocates and the spouse of a quadriplegic individual from Quebec are gearing up to initiate a class-action lawsuit against the province. This action follows the 66-year-old man’s request for medical assistance in dying after a hospital stay in January 2024 resulted in a severe bedsore.
Normand Meunier was admitted to Saint-Jérôme Hospital with a respiratory virus and spent four days on a stretcher without access to a specialized pressure mattress. Subsequently, he developed the bedsore and, on March 4, requested medical assistance in dying, passing away on March 29.
The incident drew significant attention, with advocates emphasizing the need to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The decision to pursue legal action comes after a coroner’s report was released, urging health authorities in Quebec to enhance their practices.
MÉMO-Qc, an organization supporting individuals with disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, held a press conference alongside Sylvie Brosseau, Meunier’s partner. The lawyer representing Brosseau expressed shock at Meunier’s ordeal and highlighted their intent to prevent similar tragedies.
The proposed class action aims to represent individuals like Meunier who suffered from pressure sores due to inadequate hospital care. The lawyer stressed that such cases are not uncommon, with numerous individuals reporting similar experiences in the healthcare system.
Brosseau is also considering a lawsuit for damages, with formal notices planned for Saint-Jérôme Hospital and Santé Québec. Efforts will be made to resolve the legal matters outside of the courtroom.
Reflecting on her journey, Brosseau described the emotional toll of participating in the coroner’s inquiry. Meunier’s decision to end his suffering was influenced by the worsening condition of his pressure sore, which had reached a critical stage.
Despite facing challenges in receiving attention and care at the hospital, Brosseau and advocates commended the coroner’s report and urged the government to implement its recommendations. The report emphasized the importance of timely access to specialized mattresses for patients with spinal cord injuries.
In response to the report, the health authority expressed willingness to implement suggested improvements. However, the authority refrained from commenting on the pending lawsuits, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing healthcare practices.