Medical Assistance in Dying

Compassionate Care

As a compassionate provider of patient-centered care, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) is committed to providing high quality care to all patients suffering from serious illnesses, including patients at the end-of-life. The Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) has approved a policy, which allows patients to request MAID at CPDMH. All requests for MAID require a robust process of screening, oversight and accountability to ensure that patients are capable, meet eligibility criteria, and provide clear informed consent. Only physicians may assess eligibility for, and ultimately provide, MAID; other health care professionals may only support provision of MAID as required by their clinical scope of practice. 

If a patient seeks information on MAID, or if a patient discusses a persistent wish or desire for death because of enduring and intolerable suffering arising from a grievous and irremediable medical condition, physicians, and other health care professionals are expected to ensure the patient has access to information about MAID.

CPDMH also recognizes the right of physicians, and other health care professionals to conscientiously refuse to participate in the provision of MAID, but expects that individuals who refuse will provide an effective and timely referral. All patients requesting MAID will be treated with respect and compassion, and be offered available supports.

If you have additional questions, please speak with your physician.