Preparing for Voluntary Assisted Dying in 2023

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN has been working alongside Darling Downs Health, West Moreton Health, local GPs and other key stakeholders to prepare for the start of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) from 1 January 2023.

Voluntary assisted dying will be introduced across Queensland as an additional end-of-life choice to give eligible people who are suffering and dying the option of asking for medical assistance to end their lives. There are strict eligibility criteria for accessing voluntary assisted dying.

Healthcare workers have a right to decide not to provide voluntary assisted dying, however all medical practitioners, healthcare workers and health services need to be aware of their rights, roles and responsibilities as detailed in the Act.

Across our region, Darling Downs Health and West Moreton Health are currently putting in place clinical and administrative arrangements to ensure that voluntary assisted dying is high quality, safe, accessible, and compassionate.

The PHN will share relevant information, updates and training and education opportunities to support GPs and health professionals to stay up to date.

Here is a list of some available resources and webinars for health professionals and other professionals who may work with people who access voluntary assisted dying.

Queensland Health Voluntary Assisted Dying webpage: Consumers and health professionals can find the latest updates on eligibility, consumer information, legal obligations, how to become a registered practitioner and more.

Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Handbook: The handbook is a comprehensive resource for health professionals involved in VAD.

Recording: Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Conference: to view the recordings from the conference which was held in October 2022.

Webinar: Information session for organisations that support consumers: webinar with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Unit from Thursday, 1 December 2022.

Webinar: How to get support as a healthcare worker: webinar with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Unit from Thursday, 8 December 2022.

Webinar: Final state-wide VAD information session: webinar with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Unit from Tuesday, 13 December 2022.