Grand River Hospital supports patients’ requests for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Those patients who are interested in MAID are encouraged to speak to their physician or a member of their healthcare team if they have questions about MAID while at the Hospital.
What is MAID?
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a process that allows eligible adult patients to receive doctor or nurse practitioner assistance to safely end their life. Federal law governs who can receive MAID, and there are strict eligibility criteria, legal requirements, and safeguards built into the process. Learn more about Canada’s MAID eligibility
MAID is different from palliative care. Palliative care aims to relieve suffering and maintain patients’ quality of life until natural death. Learn more about the Hospital’s palliative care services.
Who is eligible for MAID?
Patients who receive MAID must meet all the criterial outlined by federal law. You can learn more about the eligibility requirements on the Government of Canada’s website.
Additional resources
- Ontario Ministry of Health – Medical assistance in dying and end‑of‑life decisions
- Government of Canada – Medical assistance in dying overview
- Government of Canada – Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) law
MAID at Grand River Hospital
MAID can be provided on most units at Grand River Hospital, and assessments and services are available to eligible admitted adult patients. Please note that MAID is a plan of care developed after thoughtful consideration and multiple consultations – it is not an emergency service, and it can take several days or weeks to arrange.
If you or a loved one has questions or want to learn more about MAID while at Grand River Hospital, please speak to your physician or a member of your healthcare team. They will explore your request with you and may connect you with the Hospital’s MAID Coordinator. The MAID Coordinator can assist you by providing information about MAID and helping your healthcare team work through the MAID process with you.
MAID in the community
For those who have questions about MAID at home or in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario Health atHome has a team of professionals to provide support. For more information, contact their Waterloo office at (519) 883-5500.
MAID Coordinators at the Ontario MAID Care Coordination Service can also connect individuals to MAID assessors. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with referral services Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Services are available in both English and French and can also be arranged in over 300 other languages on request. They can be reached toll free at 1-866-286-4023 or TTY: 1-844-953-3350.
Resources for patients and families
Bridge C-14
bridgec14.org
Bridge C-14 is a peer-to-peer support organization for individuals and families affected by MAID at all stages of the process.
Dying with Dignity Canada
dyingwithdignity.ca
Dying with Dignity Canada is an advocacy organization that seeks to expand access and support for MAID at community and government levels and assists with obtaining an independent witness for completion of the Clinician Aid A through a virtual witness program. They can be reached by phone at 1-800-495-6156.
MAID Family Support Society
maidfamilysupport.ca
MAID Family Support Society provides peer-to-peer support and resources for family members affected by MAID.
Virtual Hospice Canada
virtualhospice.ca
Virtual Hospice Canada offers information about end-of-life planning, including information about MAID and grief resources.