The first Voluntary Assisted Dying Quarterly Report has been released today, highlighting the positive impact of the new laws in helping South Australians with terminal illnesses choosing to die with dignity.
The program has received very positive feedback from participants and their loved ones in its first three months of operation, especially regarding the holistic support and comfort for those applying for VAD.
Between 31 January, when the laws took effect, and 30 April, 28 South Australians received a VAD permit.
Of these, 12 people died, including one who passed away without using the medication available.
They were aged from their 40s to their 90s. Seven of them had terminal cancer, and five had degenerative neurological conditions.
Eight people self-administered medication, and three were supported by a medical practitioner.
On average, the length of time from making a first request to access VAD and receiving an outcome on an application for a permit was 25 days. For all 28 permit applications, the Chief Executive of Department for Health and Wellbeing provided a decision within the three-day timeframe required by the Act.
The next phase of the program will involve expanding services in regional areas to improve access even further.
There are 60 medical practitioners who have completed the mandatory training, with a further 45 registered or part-way through. Of these, 71 per cent are in metropolitan Adelaide, and 29 per cent are based in regional South Australia.
Feedback received from patients and families choosing VAD highlights the quality of service provision and support being provided through this pathway.
Some examples of their comments in the quarterly report include:
‘The whole process was carried out with the utmost care and compassion, everyone involved was absolutely wonderful and made things as easy as possible for us’
‘The doctor’s visit was more than we could have hoped for, she was kind and compassionate as well as being professional and respectful of my husband’s wishes. At each visit it was stipulated that my husband was in control of this process and could stop it at any time if he chose’
The laws include many safeguards to ensure only eligible people can access VAD and protect vulnerable people from coercion, abuse, and exploitation.
VAD is available for people who meet strict criteria, including having an incurable, advanced and progressive disease, illness, or medical condition expected to cause death within 6 months (or 12 months for a neurodegenerative condition), and that is causing suffering to the person that cannot be relieved in a tolerable manner.
The quarterly report can be viewed here and more information about South Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying laws can be found here.
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Attributable to Chris Picton
Allowing voluntary assisted dying in South Australia was a significant milestone and I am pleased that the laws have been working so well.
The pathway offers hope, comfort and choice to South Australians with terminal illnesses, with many safeguards also in place.
I would like to thank the dedicated staff who have been instrumental in supporting families throughout the process and we extend our condolences to those whose loved ones have passed.
Attributable to Kyam Maher
After 16 previous failed attempts across 27 years, it was a momentous day for South Australians when VAD laws passed South Australia.
With years of advocacy and hard work by so many, it is wonderful to finally see the laws in action and how well they are operating in bringing South Australians the choice and comfort of dying in dignity.
These laws have certainly been a long time coming and are operating effectively, as anticipated.
Attributable to Voluntary Assisted Dying Board Presiding Member Associate Professor Melanie Turner
The heartfelt reflections provided to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board by patients and family members have reinforced the importance of VAD as an end-of-life option, providing relief from suffering for patients and comfort for the bereaved.
I recognise the dedication and compassion of the staff and clinicians involved in supporting those patients and families throughout the voluntary assisted dying pathway.
I encourage more clinicians to consider registering for training via the SA Health website so they too can support South Australians with the care they may need, no matter where they live in the state.
