A Saskatchewan resident, Jolene Van Alstine, is contemplating medical assistance in dying (MAID) due to her inability to access necessary surgery. Van Alstine has been grappling with a rare condition called normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (nPHPT) for the past eight years, causing severe bone pain, nausea, and vomiting.
The unavailability of a surgeon in Saskatchewan capable of performing the crucial operation to remove her remaining parathyroid gland has left Van Alstine in a distressing situation. She requires a referral to an out-of-province specialist, but cannot secure one without first consulting an endocrinologist, a daunting task as no endocrinologists are currently accepting new patients.
The excruciating pain has led Van Alstine to seek and receive approval for MAID, scheduled for Jan. 7. She expressed the emotional toll of her condition, with friends distancing themselves and her feeling isolated and bedridden for years. Van Alstine’s partner, Miles Sundeen, emphasized the challenges in finding appropriate medical help for her complex case.
Jared Clarke, the Saskatchewan NDP Opposition’s representative for rural and remote health, has urged Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill to intervene and ensure Van Alstine receives the necessary surgery. Clarke emphasized the importance of preventing individuals from facing a choice between ongoing suffering and death.
Following a meeting with Van Alstine, Cockrill’s ministry stated its commitment to assisting patients with difficult health conditions. While specifics of individual cases were not disclosed due to confidentiality, the ministry encouraged patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to access quality care promptly.