Medical assistance in dying is now a lawful service in Canada. Adults who are suffering intolerably from a serious medical condition who have determined that there is no treatment or service that can address their suffering in a way that is tolerable to them are able to request and receive medical assistance in dying, providing the eligibility criteria set out in the law are met.
You can find more information about the eligibility criteria, and how to make a request for medical assistance in dying in the information for patients and their families.
You can also talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner to learn more about options for your care and available services. Your doctor can receive your request and start the process, if you have decided that medical assistance in dying is the right choice for you. You can also talk to the Northern Health Care Coordinator for more information, or to start a request for medical assistance in dying.
It is important, if you have decided to request medical assistance in dying, that your doctor or the Northern Health Care Coordinator receive your request in writing. There is a standard form to complete when making your request.
Northern Health recognizes that this an important, sensitive, and emotional topic for British Columbians, and we are working hard to ensure the people within our communities have access to the highest standard of compassionate and respectful care, while ensuring staff and physicians provide services within the law.
The Northern Health Care Coordinator can be reached at maid@northernhealth.ca or by phone at 250-645-8632 or 1-888-645-8527.