Report notes value of VAD option

The 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 in South Australia.

Board Presiding Member Associate Professor Melanie Turner said the patients’ and family members’ comments demonstrated that VAD provided ‘relief from suffering for patients and comfort for the bereaved’.

Assoc Prof Turner was speaking as the first Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Quarterly Report was released on 7 June.

Between 31 January, when South Australia’s VAD laws took effect, and 30 April, 28 South Australians received a VAD permit. Of these, 12 people died, including one who died without using the medication available.

They were aged from their 40s to their 90s. Seven had terminal cancer and five had degenerative neurological conditions.

Eight people self-administered medication, and three were supported by medical practitioners.

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.

Assoc Prof Turner urged clinicians to consider registering for training, ‘so they too can support South Australians with the care they may need, no matter where they live in the state’.

The report indicates there are 60 medical practitioners who have completed the mandatory training, with a further 45 registered or part-way through. Of these, 29% are based in regional South Australia. Feedback from family members highlights the importance of trained, considerate clinicians at the end of life.