VAD is an end of life choice. Palliative care is a program which supports people through their end of life. Over 80% of people in South Australia who request, and are assessed as eligible for VAD, are also in a palliative care program.
Palliative care programs usually involve consultation with family or friends of the person and the facilitation of discussion about end of life choices.
Voluntary Assisted Dying has a focus on the person with the illness, rather than the whole family. At the request of the person, the medical team can include family members or friends in consultations. However the decision about VAD can only be made by the person themself.
While historically many palliative care practitioners have not supported VAD, Palliative Care Australia now recognises that VAD is a legal end of life choice.
The evidence is that even with the best of palliative care, about five percent of people in a palliative care program will endure unbearable suffering at the end of their life. This suffering is witnessed by family and friends and causes additional grief for the person and their loved ones left behind.
Palliative Care Australia is now chaired by Dr Peter Allcroft, who is also one of two VAD Clinical Leads in SA Health.
In all jurisdictions where VAD is now legal, the evidence is that governments provide additional resources to palliative care programs.
You do not have to wait for your doctor to refer you to a palliative care program. You can self refer to a palliative care program. SA Health provides a helpful form you may wish to use if you are not familiar with how to find a palliative care program in your area. You can find out more about palliative care services or talk to a Palliative Care Navigator through the SA Health website here.