Join Andrew Denton and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald and 400 health professionals, policymakers and health advocates at the second annual Trans-Tasman Voluntary Assisted Dying conference in Brisbane, 28-29 October 2024.
The conference will discuss developments in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) clinical practice, policy and research, and follows the release of the first ever analysis of official data showing laws are fulfilling their dual aims to offer terminally ill people choice and relieve suffering.
What: Trans-Tasman Voluntary Assisted Dying Conference
When: Monday 28 October to Tuesday 29 October 2024
Where: QUT Gardens Point Campus: Level 4, Z Block, Lamington Drive, Brisbane
Details: https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vadcon24_conf_program
Hamish Macdonald (broadcaster Channel 10’s The Project, ABC Radio National) will MC the event and Macdonald and Andrew Denton (Go Gentle Australia), will chair panels and sessions, including:
· A discussion of time frames in VAD - are they a safeguard or barrier? Chaired by Hamish Macdonald
· VAD and institutions: How to allow conscientious objection and avoid obstruction? Chaired by Andrew Denton
· Loss of decision-making capacity and VAD. Chaired by Hamish Macdonald
· Future-proofing the VAD workforce. Chaired by Dr Linda Swan, GGA CEO
The program includes research updates on topics including Organ and Tissue Donation after VAD, VAD-specific grief & bereavement support, Contribution of nurses in the care of VAD patients, and Final wishes: Is there a ‘right’ time and place to die?
“VAD is working safely and with great compassion,” said Dr Linda Swan, Go Gentle’s CEO.
“However, challenges remain, and too many eligible people are being prevented from accessing the care they need. This conference brings together leaders in the field to discuss how these barriers can be removed, and VAD care improved, for the benefit of all.”
Key Facts:
VAD laws have been passed in all six Australian states, the ACT and New Zealand
They are working safely and as intended
Awareness of and demand for VAD are growing
Restricting healthcare professionals' conversations about VAD is impeding access
Procedural elements, some intended as safeguards, are working as obstacles to access
Workloads and remuneration remain serious issues - sustainablity of VAD services is uncertain
About us:
About Go Gentle Australia
Go Gentle was founded in 2016 by broadcaster Andrew Denton. We are a charity working nationally to promote choice at the end of life, including the option of voluntary assisted dying.
Our vision is an Australia where we all are empowered to choose the end-of-life care that is right for us. We have been instrumental in passing voluntary assisted dying laws in all six Australian states and the ACT.
About VADANZ
VADANZ (Voluntary Assisted Dying Australia and New Zealand) is the peak body representing multidisciplinary health care professionals providing voluntary assisted dying services in Australia and New Zealand.
Our vision is a healthcare system where health professionals are supported to provide excellence in voluntary assisted dying care.
Contact details:
For media contact and media passes contact Go Gentle Australia – 0426 283 865 | media@gogentleaustralia.org.au
