‘Outrage’ over shaving of unconscious Sikh patient at Brampton hospital

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is speaking out after an elderly Sikh patient was shaved at Brampton Civic Hospital without his or his family’s consent.

The non-profit organization, which represents Sikhs in Canada, is expressing “shock and outrage over a deeply troubling incident” on Aug. 28 or 29 where staff at the hospital shaved patient Joginder Singh Kaler in what they are saying is a violation of his religious principles and personal dignity.

The Sikh organization said Kaler had never shaved or cut his beard before the incident at the Brampton hospital. Kaler maintains the Sikh “articles of faith” which includes maintaining uncut hair.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the incident that took place with Mr. Kaler,” said WSO President Danish Singh, who wrote to Dr. Frank Martino, CEO of the William Osler Health System, on Wednesday (Sept. 11). “Despite specific instructions by his family not to shave him, Mr. Kaler still had his faith violated in such an egregious fashion.

“Given that Brampton is home to the largest Sikh population in Canada, it is inconceivable that such disregard for Sikh faith practices could occur at Brampton Civic Hospital.”

The WSO said the hospital had contacted his family to seek permission to shave him. Kaler, who was unconscious, was unable to provide consent himself and the family “clearly refused the request.”

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The organization said this incident has not only inflicted emotional distress upon Mr. Kaler’s family but has also caused them profound trauma during an already challenging time.

They added that the attending physician attempted to shift blame for the incident to the nursing staff, but the lack of a formal apology or satisfactory explanation from the hospital further exacerbates the situation.

The William Osler Health System plans to review the incident.

The WSO says there have been several incidents of “insensitive treatment” of Sikh patients or a lack of understanding of the Sikh faith at the William Osler Health System over the past few years.

“We had previously offered to provide cultural sensitivity training to healthcare providers to prevent such occurrences,” said WSO President Danish Singh. “Unfortunately, these offers have not been adequately addressed. The Sikh community has always supported the William Osler Health System however it is clear to us that the hospital has a lot of work to do to ensure members of the Sikh community receive the respect and dignity they deserve.

“We need concrete action to ensure incidents like this do not happen again in the future. The William Osler Health System must respond promptly and take action to prevent any future incidents of this nature.”