Vancouver woman seeking help for suicidal ideation was told “the system is broken” nurse asks if she would like Medical Assistance In Dying

A Vancouver woman who went to hospital seeking help for suicidal ideation says a clinician told her "the system is broken," there are long waits to see a psychiatrist, and: "Have you considered [medical assistance in dying?]?" https://t.co/LSNtPOy2UH

— Andrea Woo | 鄔瑞楓 (@AndreaWoo) August 9, 2023

The woman said a clinician told her there would be long waits to see a psychiatrist. She then asked her if she had considered assisted dying.

A Vancouver woman who went to hospital seeking help for suicidal thoughts says she was further distressed by a clinician who unexpectedly suggested medical assistance in dying.

Kathrin Mentler, 37, lives with chronic depression and suicidality, both of which she says were exacerbated by a traumatic event early this year. Feeling particularly vulnerable in June, she went to Vancouver General Hospital looking for psychiatric help in dealing with feelings of hopelessness she feared she couldn’t shake.

Instead, Ms. Mentler says a clinician told her there would be long waits to see a psychiatrist and that the health care system is “broken.” That was followed by a jarring question: “Have you considered MAID?”

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/highlights/vancouver-hospital-defends-suggesting-maid-to-suicidal-patient-as-risk-assessment-tool-7384123

h/t PURA SANGRE