Medical Assistance in Dying

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; and/or
• Avoid poor and declining quality of life.

Patients admitted at MGH can access MAID by speaking to their healthcare team. Upon request, our MAID Response Team connects with patients to help them navigate the process. 

The following services are available at MGH to support patients and loved ones in the process of 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 related to MAID. Learn more about MGH's Bioethics Services. 

PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES

The Palliative Care Unit at MGH works with patients and their families to meet the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. These may include pain relief, symptom management, emotional support, setting up available services at your home and/or future planning. Learn more about Palliative Care at MGH. 

MAID at home or in the community 

If you are a patient who has questions about MAID at home or in the community setting, information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the provincial care coordination service. Learn more about MAID, including eligibility and how to contact the provincial care coordination service.

Resources for GENERAL INFORMATION AND NAVIGATING THE MAID PROCESS

• Medical Assistance in Dying (Government of Canada)
• Medical Assistance in Dying and End‑of‑Life Decisions (Government of Ontario)
• Navigating a Request for Medical Assistance in Dying in Ontario (Dying with Dignity)
• Medical Assistance in Dying (Canadian Virtual Hospice)
• MAiDHouse
• Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) and Organ and Tissue Donation (Trillium Gift of Life Network)

Support for Patients and Families

• MAID Family Support Society 
• Bridge C-14: A Network of Peer-to-Peer Connections and Community Supports Through All Stages of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
• Grief and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) (MyGrief.ca)
• Grief Support for Teens (Dougy Centre)
• Grief Support for Young Adults (Dougy Centre)
• YouthGrief.ca
• KidsGrief.ca