Ontario family speak out against Toronto-area hospital after Sikh man’s beard shaved [Video]

The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.

The incident, according to the family, happened on Aug. 28 or 29, just days after Joginder Singh Kaler was transferred to Brampton Civic Hospital from Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital.

About a month earlier, Kaler, who is 85, had a serious fall and was rushed to the downtown trauma centre for treatment of multiple injuries. During that time, he underwent reconstruction surgery for a fractured jaw and was not shaved for that procedure, his son-in-law Jasjit Dhaliwal told CP24.com late Wednesday afternoon.

While at St. Mike’s, Dhaliwal said the hospital asked them if they could shave his father-in-law’s beard, but the family declined on his behalf, and their wishes were respected.

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