Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)
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.
For many people with questions about voluntary assisted dying, or who may be considering it as an end-of-life option, their GP will be their first contact.
General practitioners may participate in VAD by:
- acting as the coordinating, consulting or administering practitioner (if eligible, trained and authorised)
- initiating a conversation about voluntary assisted dying in the course of informing about all treatment and end-of-life options
- providing information about voluntary assisted dying to a person who has requested it
- accepting a referral to determine whether the person has an eligible diagnosis, prognosis, has decision-making capacity in relation to voluntary assisted dying, or is acting voluntarily and without coercion
- continuing to provide care to a person and their family, knowing they are accessing voluntary assisted dying
Medical practitioners can choose not to participate in the VAD process, but all medical practitioners have legal obligations under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act).
GPs should review the Brisbane North Voluntary Assisted Dying Health Pathway which provides information on VAD and the referral process.
If the medical practitioner is unable to assist the patient with their request for VAD, they must refer the patient to one of the following:
Queensland VAD Support
Phone: 1800 431 371
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.00 pm.
Metro North Health Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Unit
Submit your referral by completing the appropriate referral form, or send on your practice’s letter head or referral template to Metro North Health Central Patient Intake Unit via secure messaging.
Patients can contact QVAD Support Service for more information Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm by phone 1800 431 371 or email qvadsupport@health.qld.gov.au.
