A British Columbia coroner's inquest into the death of Florence Girard, a woman with developmental disabilities, has shed light on the inadequate care she received in the years leading up to her death. Her sister, Sharon Bursey, delivered a heartbreaking testimony detailing the neglect, isolation, and lack of proper support that contributed to Girard's tragic demise.
Florence Girard , a woman who required round-the-clock care, died in 2018 at the age of 50, weighing only about 50 pounds. Her sister, Sharon Bursey, testified at a British Columbia coroner's inquest into Girard's death, revealing heartbreaking details about the inadequate care her sister received. Bursey expressed her frustration and sorrow, stating that she was unaware of the severity of Girard's condition and would have quit her job to care for her had she known.
She highlighted the lack of financial support from Community Living BC, the provincial Crown corporation responsible for Girard's care, which forced Girard to live in Astrid Dahl's home. Dahl was convicted in 2022 of failing to provide the necessities of life in Girard's case.Bursey described Girard's living situation as deplorable, confined to a bedroom suite with a baby gate, a mattress on the floor, and the movie 'Titanic' playing on a loop. She expressed her belief that Girard was essentially imprisoned, isolated, and left to deteriorate. Bursey also revealed that Dahl was unresponsive to her calls and updates regarding her sister's well-being. Dr. Juliyana Romey, who was Girard's family doctor, testified that she last saw Girard in 2014 and noted her generally healthy condition. However, she was alarmed by Dahl's lack of follow-up appointments, which she found highly unusual. Romey also stated that she was not notified of any emergency room visits during the period from 2014 to 2018, which would have been standard procedure.Bursey, advocating for a change in the care system, expressed deep concern that similar tragedies might occur again. She shared stories of other individuals who had reached out to her, highlighting the systemic issues within the care system. The inquest is scheduled for eight days, aiming to gather evidence and formulate recommendations to prevent future deaths. The case of Florence Girard serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals with developmental disabilities and the urgent need for improved care and support systems.
Developmental Disabilities Care System Neglect Inquest Death British Columbia Florence Girard
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