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Delta Hospice board makes decision on medically assisted dying

Vote comes just a week before next annual general meeting
delta hospice
The hospice society board says MAiD will available to all patients at the Irene Thomas Hospice as soon as practically possible.

The Delta Hospice Society’s board on Wednesday voted in favour of implementing the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) service.

The decision came just a week before another attempt to hold an annual general meeting.

In a letter to staff and volunteers, board chair Jim Levin said allowing MAiD at the Irene Thomas Hospice in Ladner was a difficult decision.

After speaking with palliative care physicians and experts, the decision was made based on the fact that MAiD is written into Canadian law and is widely accepted in hospice facilities across B.C., he said, adding that to not allow MAiD also brings potential human rights violations.

“The Board recognizes that there are those that support MAiD in hospice and those that do not. It is important to note that the Board respects the right of conscientious objectors regarding both the assessment and administration of MAiD.  No staff or volunteers will be involved with MAiD in any way if they are personally opposed,” he said.

Levin acknowledged the issue has caused conflict within the organization, but the board made a decision based on what it believes to be in the best interest of the society.

Currently, those at the hospice wanting the end-of-life procedure have to be transported to another facility.

The board’s vote came as it plans hold another annual general meeting on Thursday, Nov. 28 at Ladner’s Genesis Theatre after last month’s AGM, described by some as a fiasco, had to be halted due to voting irregularities.

That meeting at a packed Harris Barn ended up with more ballots cast for the non-profit organization’s board than members who registered to vote.

In July 2016, the federal government passed legislation governing MAiD, permitting medical assistance in dying.

Fraser Health that year approved its MAiD policy and procedure, covering all FHA services, owned and operated, contracted and affiliated settings.

“We understand there are controversies surrounding this legal obligation and where and how to implement this,” Fraser Health stated recently, adding, “Hospice care is a critical part of the continuum of care.”