Man euthanised after being assessed by doctor outside cafe
Warning: This article contains discussion of assisted dying which some readers may find distressing.
A Canadian doctor has faced an investigation after being accused of improperly administering the country’s controversial Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
Dr James MacLean, from London, Ontario, euthanised a 45-year-old man after assessing him outside of a Tim Hortons cafe, according to officials.
Thomas Dillon was suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and had a history of mental health issues when he was assessed by the doctor.
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Assessing him outside the coffee chain in June 2023, Dr MacLean found him to be eligible under ‘track 2’ which is designed for patients who aren’t expected to die immediately, but who have an incurable condition.
Dillon and the doctor exchanged dozens of text messages about medical euthanasia plans.
The National Post report that Dr MacLean personally drove his patient to a morgue facility to carry out the procedure in January 2024.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) panel said this decision ‘raised concerns about professional boundaries’ after it found the assessment outside the coffee shop to be concerning as he discussed ‘sensitive MAID-related matters in an informal public setting’.
Findings from the inquiries and complaints committee say Dillon refused to ride to the procedure site with his sister when she arrived at the Tim Hortons, and the doctor ultimately drove him ‘to ensure that patient’s final moments were dignified’.
The decision said he didn’t want to die at home, where he lived with his mum, as he knew his family didn’t approve.
“In this case, the assessment occurred during a single encounter at a Tim Hortons coffee shop,” Dr Ramona Coelho, a former member of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario’s MAID death review committee told the Globe and Mail.
“The family was not engaged in the assessment process, despite being the patient’s primary support and despite the MAID provider being aware they were trying to raise concerns,” she continued.
“Collateral information from those closest to the patient is essential to understanding the factors contributing to the desire to die.”
At the facility, said to be inside an industrial unity where human cadavers were prepared for funerals, the doctor injected Dillion with the lethal cocktail of drugs, resulting in his death.
In another case, MacLean allegedly failed to administer one of the three drugs used in assisted deaths in Canada on another patient. They resumed spontaneous breathing again after initially being pronounced dead and after the doctor had already left.
MacLean was verbally ‘cautioned’ by the CPSO and agreed to a minimum six months’ supervision.
“What is striking is not only the seriousness of the concerns identified in these cases, but the limited regulatory response,” said Dr Coelho.
Canada's laws on assisted dying
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is an incredibly complex issue, and the Government of Canada is committed to 'ensuring their laws reflect Canadians’ needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice'.
As of March 17, 2021, persons who wish to receive MAID must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older and have decision-making capacity
- Be eligible for publicly funded health care services
- Make a voluntary request that is not the result of external pressure
- Give informed consent to receive MAID, meaning that the person has consented to receiving MAID after they have received all information needed to make this decision
- Have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability (excluding a mental illness until March 17, 2027)
- Be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability
- Have enduring and intolerable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions the person considers acceptable
However, access to MAID is not permitted for individuals whose only medical issue is a mental disorder.
For advice, support, and more information, you can contact the nurse-led specialist team at Compassion in Dying via their helpline 0800 999 2434. You can also email them at [email protected].
Additionally, if you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Mental Health
Jess Battison