Dying with dignity - Finally, some compassion, declares RPCU

MONTREAL, March 22, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Regroupement provincial des comités des usagers (RPCU) supports the recommendations in the report released by the Select Committee on Dying with Dignity, which include improved palliative care and medical assistance when dying.

"Palliative care must be available everywhere - including in patients' homes, as recommended by the Committee," asserted Pierre Blain, director general of the RPCU. "Compassion and respect for human beings should override all other aspects when considering end-of-life issues."

The RPCU commends the remarkable work done by the members of this parliamentary committee. The Committee's concerns are aligned with those outlined in the RPCU brief, submitted in 2010 as part of the Committee's work. This brief can be viewed (French only) at www.rpcu.qc.ca.

In order to arrive at a broad consensus on this social debate, the RPCU consulted its members and also set up a reflection group. "The members of this committee, drawn from all walks of life, were representative of various age groups, cultural and religious communities, as well as civil groups," added Pierre Blain.

The RPCU also believes that measures put in place should be intended to assist, listen to and support both users and their loved ones, as well as to inform them of all alternatives so the user can make an informed decision when the time comes. Users' and In-patients' Committees could take part in this process.

The RPCU set an additional priority regarding the palliative care protocols referred to in the report. This priority, a Quebec Medical Association project, is part of the work done by the INESSS partners' issue table.

RPCU profile
The Regroupement provincial des Comités des usagers (RPCU) advocates on behalf of users and is the spokesperson for 600 Users' and In-patients' Committees in Quebec's health and social services establishments. These committees' mission is to defend users' rights and work to improve the quality of services provided to users of the health and social services network.

Myriam Lapointe, Head of Communications
Pierre Blain, director general
Telephone: [phone]