Guest Speaker
Speaker Intro- Tom Campbell introduced Rob Gurney to talk on the medical process now in place in WA for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
Speaker – Rob began his address indicating that he had become much more familiar with the new rules governing VAD as a result of recent personal experience, when it became very apparent that the process was not a simple nor quick one. For this reason, he offered to address the club accordingly.
Members should consider having an ADM (Advanced Medical Directive) in place on their medical record, as an expression of their wishes should a “life or death” situation arise either unexpectedly or as life progresses. Whilst not part of the VAD process, it provides a reference for medical staff actions in a time of crisis.
Directives such as a “Do not Resuscitate” (DNR) wish are recorded here.
All States of Australia (but not ACT or NT, to this point) have or are in the process of introducing guidelines and legislation governing VAD with some minor variations between States.
People considering using the VAD system need to thoroughly research the process and rules. It is important to ascertain not only their own qualifications (of which there is quite a restrictive list) to enable use of the process, but also to consider the timing and availability of both the approval timetable required and qualified medical staff to supervise the medication process. Several salient points highlighted were the emphasis on the “voluntary” aspect of the rules wherein the applicant must maintain their own decision-making capacity throughout the journey, not be acting under any guidance or coercion, and have reiterated both orally and in writing their desire to use the VAD process.
Rob referred briefly to the key points of eligibility and access as set out in the attachment to this bulletin titled “Overview of Voluntary Assisted Dying” which succinctly itemises the process steps and requirements. Further research is recommended and can be accessed through the website
www.eldac.com.au.
Speaker Thanks- J Gray thanked Rob for his courage to present this difficult and sensitive topic in simple easy to follow terms.