Partner of Quebec man who received MAID after bedsores says hospital ignored her
Posted May 15, 2025 3:47 pm.
Last Updated May 15, 2025 5:25 pm.
The partner of a man who received a medically assisted death after developing a severe bedsore in a Quebec hospital says medical staff didn’t listen to her.
Sylvie Brosseau spoke outside the Montreal courtroom where a coroner is holding hearings into the death of her partner Normand Meunier.
Brosseau says Meunier loved the outdoors and had many dreams and plans despite being quadriplegic.
All that changed after he was left on a stretcher at the St-Jérôme hospital for 96 hours and developed a severe pressure sore that never healed.
“In his condition, when we are given the proper tools, he should not have stayed in the same position for more than a few hours. Just a few hours. And it requires proper surfaces, with proper care—because the emergency room is not a suitable place for that kind of care. We’re talking about specialized care, and they’re not equipped, really not equipped. It’s not their fault. They don’t have the time, and they don’t have the equipment.”
Brosseau says she repeatedly asked for Meunier to be given a special therapeutic mattress that prevents sores, but she says she felt ignored by hospital staff.
“That’s what caused Normand’s death. People absolutely need to know that a bedsore can be fatal. It’s not just at home that you can get bedsores—Normand’s were all caused by his hospitalization,” said Brosseau.
Meunier requested medical assistance in dying two months after developing the sore and died March 29, 2024.
The independent inquiry, led by Coroner Dave Kimpton, seeks to clarify the events that led to Meunier’s decision and to issue recommendations to prevent similar cases. The hearings, which will include testimony from 36 witnesses, are scheduled to run until June 6.
This is the third investigation into Meunier’s death. An earlier internal review by the CISSS des Laurentides was deemed inadequate by his family, prompting Health Minister Christian Dubé to order an independent inquiry. With photos of her partner in hand, Brosseau also wanted to leave a memory of the active and joyful man she loved.
“It’s a special celebration because it’s Christmas in July for campers, so we’re sure to have all our grandkids with us, and it’s also his birthday at the same time — so this is a special photo,” Brosseau explained.
“I would like not just his wounds, but also his face to be recognized, because I’m doing all of this in his memory. It doesn’t bring me anything now. I’m doing this for the future, for those who need care right now. And we need to act quickly, because there is no care.”
