Nursing assistant describes ‘horrible’ bedsore of patient who sought assisted death after ER stay
A heartbreaking testimony was heard at the coroner’s inquiry into the death of Normand Meunier, a 66-year-old man from Saint-Jérôme, Que., who passed away in March 2024. Brigitte Guilbon, a nursing assistant who was part of Meunier’s care team, described the horrific bedsore that he returned home with after a disastrous hospital stay in January 2024 as “horrible.”
Guilbon, who had been caring for Meunier since 2022, testified that she had never seen a wound like the one Meunier had developed after being stuck on a stretcher in the emergency room for four days. The gaping, blackened wound on Meunier’s buttocks was a few centimeters in diameter, causing Guilbon to wipe her eyes as she struggled to recount the distressing sight.
The wound was not only physically painful but also took a toll on Meunier’s mental health. The prognosis for recovery was several months, leading Meunier to eventually choose medical assistance in dying. He passed away at home on March 29, 2024.
Guilbon testified that prior to Meunier’s hospital stay, his recurring bedsores were kept stable and under control by the care team. However, during his time in the hospital, he did not have access to the special pressure mattress he used at home, despite repeated requests from his partner, Sylvie Brosseau.
Upon Meunier’s return home on Feb. 1, 2024, Guilbon was shocked by the condition of his bedsore, stating that she had never seen such a severe wound in her 15-year career. She questioned the hospital’s decision to discharge him and criticized the bandage and treatment of the bedsore.
The head of the home-care department, Brigitte Cyr, also testified about her shock upon seeing the bedsore, which she described as defying imagination. She arranged for Meunier to be readmitted to the hospital for treatment, including a painful procedure known as debridement to help the wound heal.
Throughout the inquiry, Sylvie Brosseau, Meunier’s devoted partner, has been a constant presence, providing essential support to him. Brosseau, who had been by Meunier’s side 24 hours a day since he became quadriplegic in 2022, is expected to testify later in the month.
The inquiry will continue to hear from staff at the Saint-Jérôme Hospital, shedding light on the circumstances that led to Meunier’s tragic death. The testimony provided by Guilbon, Cyr, and other members of the care team underscores the importance of proper wound care and the devastating consequences of neglect in healthcare settings.
