End of life is often a profound time for the person who is dying and their loved ones. There are numerous medical, ethical, and spiritual issues related to the end of life to support a good death. Additionally, MAiD has been a controversial issue in our society and community and this will be explored.
In response to a desire for more information, a panel of individuals with considerable expertise will explore the medical, ethical, spiritual and legal aspects of end-of-life decisions. This panel presentation includes time for questions. Coffee, goodies and a light catered lunch will be provided.
The community gathering is titled “The Last Chapter – End of Life Considerations” and is at St Peter’s Church Hall at 218 Church Street in Comox on Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $10.
Those presenting on the panel are:
• Jennifer Pass practised law in the Comox Valley for 30 years before retiring. She has had a long-term interest in health care and and has been involved in various community organizations such as L’Arche Comox Valley and CV Elders Take Action.
• Dr. David Arnold is a family physician who worked in Calgary and later in the remote Heiltsuk community of Bella Bella for 15 years. He gained considerable experience in health policy and ethics with the Calgary regional health authority and the University of Calgary.
• Dr. Margaret Keresztesi obtained her medical degree from UBC, ran a family practice in North Vancouver and then Comox where she spent most of her medical career. She also worked in Geriatrics in Vancouver.
• Jane Murphy has extensive experience in health care leadership and management. She held senior executive positions in the Lower Mainland and in the U.S. health care system and as the president and CEO of St Joseph’s Hospital for six years until the transfer to the new hospital. She now works for St Joseph’s assisting the organization’s transition. She is vice-chair on the board of governors of North Island College.
Following the panel’s presentations, there will be an opportunity for questions from the floor and discussion over lunch.
Tickets for the event are available at St Peter’s Church office, Church Street, Comox, from Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, 250-339-2925.