The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (QLD) came into effect from 1 January 2023
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act) was passed in September 2021. Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) will be available to eligible Queenslanders from 1 January 2023 and allows eligible people to access a VAD substance.
As a Catholic healthcare service, Mater adheres to the Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health Care Services in Australia and does not participate in or facilitate VAD. This means that Mater People including Visiting Medical Practitioners (VMOs) do not initiate conversations about VAD or administer a VAD substance.
Mater is committed to supporting all patients, across our state-wide network, to access high quality end-of-life care, including palliative and supportive care and advance care planning. Our services always strive to ensure those in our care die in comfort and with dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Voluntary Assisted Dying?
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is an additional end-of-life choice that gives 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 VAD.
What is Mater’s response to Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation?
Mater will not be participating in voluntary assisted dying (VAD).
As a Catholic healthcare service, Mater People will not participate in or facilitate the services provided for under the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation. Mater adheres to the Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health and Aged Care Services in Australia and as such does not participate in or facilitate treatments where the primary purpose is to terminate life.
Mater provides compassionate, palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses. This care includes providing relief from pain and other physical and psychosocial symptoms of illness and frailty. We withdraw life-prolonging treatments when they are medically futile, overly burdensome or requested to end by a patient who provides informed refusal. Mater people support an informed decision process about end-of-life care. When our patients are dying, we help them to die in comfort and with dignity through palliative care.
Mater People and its services will not impede access to VAD. Should a patient come to our facility to request information or request to access VAD, Mater people will support navigation to other services in accordance with this policy, through a Tiered governance system.
What resources are available to me?
Resources for Mater's Medical Community
I find end of life issues distressing. Who can I talk to?
Staff are encouraged to contact Assure Programs if required. Assure Programs is an external service provider that offers a free and confidential counselling service for all Mater staff and immediate family members.
Assure Programs uses experienced psychologists for challenges such as stress, family, relationship or work issues.
For more information, please visit: assureprograms.com.au
Where can I find more information?
- At each Mater facility or service your Director of Clinical Services or Executive Officers will be able to provide information on Mater's Response to VAD.
- Further information on VAD can also contact the Queensland Government VAD support service (Q-VAD) on 1800 431 371 (Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4 pm) or visit health.qld.gov.au/VAD
- Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health Care Services in Australia
