Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) update

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), which officially began on 1 January 2023.

Voluntary assisted dying is 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

• Click here. 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

• Click here. The handbook is a comprehensive resource for health professionals involved in VAD.

Recording: Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Conference

• Click here to view the recordings from the conference which was held in October.