They determined that Hospice Peterborough will not stigmatize those who choose MAiD, and that staff will follow the professional health colleges’ guidelines which allow health professionals to talk about MAiD if the client introduced the topic and asked for help in accessing more information.
In 2019 Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) developed a program to support people who were at the end of their life in exploring the decision to enact MAiD. Hospice works with PRHC to provide Peterborough access to MAiD, and impartially support those who are considering this by answering questions and helping to navigate the choice.
“The Board of Hospice Peterborough respects and supports a person’s choice for medical assistance in dying. Therefore, the Board requests the creation of an operational plan for medical assistance in dying at Hospice Peterborough,” said Hospice Peterborough Board of Directors in a statement.
The 2021-2025 Hospice Peterborough Strategic Plan was developed last year to reinvestigate and redefine Hospice Peterborough’s position on MAiD in their ten-bed hospice residence. A working group was formed and an internal process was launched to review MAiD.
This process included staff, board education groups and focus groups while considering feedback from the community. Review of provincial and national standards from palliative care organizations including the Ontario Palliative Care Network, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.
