By Canadian Press

Hospital staff testify today at Quebec coroner’s inquiry into death of Joyce Echaquan

May 17, 2021 | 8:57 AM

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Que. — Medical staff from a Quebec hospital where Joyce Echaquan died last September are testifying today at the coroner’s inquest investigating her death.

The 37-year-old Atikamekw mother of seven filmed herself at the hospital in Joliette, Que., northeast of Montreal, as female staff were heard insulting and mocking her not long before she died.

The video of her seeking help and being ridiculed circulated widely on social media and prompted widespread indignation across the country.

Echaquan was transported to hospital from Manawan, Que., on Sept. 26, with severe stomach pain, and she passed away two days later.

Coroner Géhane Kamel is presiding over the public hearings that are taking place in Trois-Rivières, Que., and that are scheduled to run until June 2. The inquiry heard from Echaquan’s family last week.

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A coroner’s inquest does not rule on liability but rather looks at the causes and circumstances of a death and comes up with recommendations to avoid similar occurrences.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2021.

The Canadian Press