The circumstances of the death of an octogenarian who was left without water and food at the Hôtel-Dieu in Lévis for almost two days are unacceptable according to Christian Dubé. The Minister of Health wants an explanation.
“The facts are disturbing and unacceptable. This is by no means the level of care we are required to provide to Quebecers in all of our healthcare facilities. Our thoughts go to the affected family who are going through difficult times at the moment,” Minister Dubé’s office said in a written statement.
- Listen to the interview with Paul Brunet, President of the Council for the Protection of Patients, on Richard Martineau’s programme QUB radio :
Gilberte Gosselin, 86, spent her final days in a “toxic” and “completely inhumane” climate, according to members of her family.
Photo provided by family
Gilbert Gosselin
After being admitted to the emergency room with a broken hip, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and a doctor requested she be moved to a more “intimate” room to spend her final moments with her and his family.
However, the eighty-year-old was never posted there. She then spent several hours on her stool, and despite the family’s pleas, no member of the hospital staff came to offer her food.
“Such situations must not happen,” responded Christian Dubé’s cabinet.
“We have sought clarifications from CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches and will ensure a full analysis is carried out, we added, and assist CISSS in implementing the necessary actions.”
“At the same time, we are taking important steps to improve our healthcare network because we know there is an urgent need for action. We all have to work together to get there as soon as possible. Quebecers deserve a more humane and efficient network,” the minister’s office concluded.