Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is available at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). While end-of-life choices are very personal decisions, there are some common reasons why patients request MAID. Some patients may wish to:
- Be free from pain and suffering
- Control when and how death occurs
- Avoid poor and declining quality of life
For patients admitted at Michael Garron Hospital, MAID can be accessed by speaking to your health care team. Our MAID response team would then connect with you to help you navigate the process.
The following services are available at MGH to support you and your loved ones in the process of Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID):
BIOETHICS SERVICES
A bioethicist is someone who supports patients and family members dealing with ethical issues in a patient's care. You can request a confidential consultation (private meeting) with the bioethicist to discuss ethical issues about MAID. Learn more about MGH's bioethics services.
PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES
The Palliative Care Program at MGH will work with patients and their families to meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. These may include:
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Pain relief
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Symptom management
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Emotional support
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Setting up available services at your home
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Future planning.
Learn more about Palliative Care at MGH.
Please talk to your healthcare team if you would like to understand more about MAID at Michael Garron Hospital or have specific questions about the process.
MAID at home or in the community
For patients who have questions about MAID at home or in the community setting, information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Ontario MAID Care Coordination Service information line at 1-866-286-4023. Their referral services are available Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm EST. Patients can self-refer to the Ontario MAID Care Coordination Service, and they may also provide direction to family members/caregivers or their primary health care provider to refer on their behalf. Their intake service is available English and French (translations for other languages can also be requested). TTY services are also available at 1-844-953-3350.
Resources for GENERAL INFORMATION AND NAVIGATING THE PROCESS
Health Canada: Medical assistance in dying: Overview - Canada.ca
Service Ontario: Medical assistance in dying and end‑of‑life decisions | ontario.ca
Dying with Dignity: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/education-resources/ontario-navigating-a-request-for-medical-assistance-in-dying/
Canadian Virtual Hospice: MAiD (virtualhospice.ca)
MAiD House: For those looking for a location for their MAID procedure MAiDHouse
MAID & Organ Donation: https://www.giftoflife.on.ca/en/contact.htm
Support for Patients and Families:
MAID family Support Society: MAID Family Support
Bridge C-14: Bridge C-14 l Support Through the MAiD Journey | Canada (bridgec14.org)
Canadian Virtual Hospice Grief Module: Grief and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): Module overview: Introduction (mygrief.ca)
Grief Support for Young People: Grief Support for Teens | Dougy Center