The approaching introduction of Voluntary Assisted Dying will change the end-of-life landscape in Western Australia. Palliative care and VAD will need to coexist in order to meet the needs of Western Australians and support them at end-of life.
In the results of our recent sector survey, almost all respondents expressed a level of concern about having their information, professional development and pastoral care needs met in time for the introduction of VAD. In response, sector forum aims to provide a detailed update on the implementation of VAD and the healthcare responsibilities for its delivery in WA, as well the opportunity to hear about, and learn from, some experiences of the delivery of both palliative care and VAD in Victoria and Canada.
Importantly we will also provide the voice of lived experience as we hear from a family member of someone who chose to access VAD in Victoria.