It’s been a tumultuous month for the Delta Hospice Society and things could get even more heated as a potential showdown with Fraser Health looms.
Many questions face the future of the non-profit organization following its new board of directors abruptly reversing the previous board’s decision to allow Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) at the Irene Thomas Hospice in Ladner.
Saturday’s vote came just two days after a heated annual general meeting at Genesis Theatre, attended by several hundred, which resulted in a lot of anger, bitter feelings and continuing accusations.
In a letter this week to staff, volunteers and members, new board president Angelina Ireland said the decision of the previous board was repealed based on two independent legal opinions that MAiD is not compatible with the society’s purpose in its constitution.
Five new directors elected at last week’s AGM are all opposed to MAiD, which has changed the balance of power on the board. Only two directors who had voted in favour of allowing MAiD remain on the board, while two seats are empty.
“We acknowledge that Delta Hospice has been through significant changes, which is hard on any organization. We want to look forward into the future with new leadership under a new board of directors and a new executive director,” Ireland’s letter states.
Last Thursday’s meeting was the society’s second attempt to hold an AGM after a packed meeting at Harris Barn a month earlier had to be terminated due to voting irregularities. With the MAiD battle raging, membership swelled to more than 600.
Just a week prior to the second AGM, the previous board voted in favour of allowing MAiD.
It was a move applauded by Dying with Dignity Canada, which said it sent a strong message that people at end of life shouldn’t have to choose between high-quality hospice care and their right to medical assistance in dying.
The vote by the previous board followed two previous attempts in the past 18 months to approve the service, including a failed vote in early November. Following that early November vote, several board members resigned, changing the balance on the board and the outcome of the subsequent vote.
Following last week’s AGM, now former board president Jim Levin told the Optimist he believes the public fully supports his previous board’s decision to allow MAiD.
“I am proud of the work our board has accomplished and I believe that the public supports the decisions we have made. I don't believe the election reflects the society’s true membership. I trust that after what was said by those brave staff members, that the new board understands why new leadership is needed.
I hope the new board respects the progress that has been made and that they are able to continue the positive working relationship we have developed with our major funder, Fraser Health,” he said.
Currently, those at the hospice wanting the end-of-life procedure have to be transported to another facility.
In a letter to staff and membership following the vote to allow MAiD, Levin noted the fact that it’s written into Canadian law and is widely accepted in hospice facilities across B.C. was behind their decision.
To not allow MAiD also brings with it potential human rights violations, he explained.
In July 2016, the federal government passed legislation permitting Medical Assistance in Dying. Fraser Health approved its policy later that year that mandates hospices provide the procedure.
The health region, so far, hasn’t given an indication it would pull funding from Delta Hospice, which receives about half its operating budget from the health region.
Asked for comment about the most recent development, as well as whether the health region has any date in mind when it wants facilities to provide MAiD, a spokesperson only said, “We will continue to work with our partners in care to ensure a capable patient’s request for information about medical assistance in dying, and connections to fulfill that request, are addressed and supported. We understand this is a difficult and emotional issue for some people, and appreciate everyone’s efforts to always keep the patient at the heart of all we do.”
Opponents of MAiD point to a joint statement by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians which notes it is not part of hospice palliative care and shouldn’t be considered an extension. Hospice palliative care and MAiD substantially differ in multiple areas, including philosophy, intention and approach, they say.
Meanwhile, an issue that continues to cloud the controversy involves allegations regarding the previous leadership at Delta Hospice, including former executive director Nancy Macey who was terminated by the previous board in September.
Following the failed AGM last month, acting executive director Sharon Farrish issued a scathing letter to society membership about the previous management, listing many problems and describing a negative work environment and low morale. Current and former employees also contacted the Optimist to reiterate those claims.
Several employees at last week’s AGM also spoke out about problems, although Macey, who founded the organization three decades ago and also happens to be staunchly opposed to MAiD at Delta Hospice, has many supporters who refute the claims.
In her letter this week, Ireland said Laurine Kelly will continue as acting executive director and will work with Judy Rowbotham to arrange for any staff and volunteer support that’s needed.
Ireland stated there will be a review of the organization while the board looks for a permanent executive director.
