Angie Dobbrick, Executive Director, Caboolture, Kilcoy & Woodford Clinical Directorate

As many of you will already know, the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation will come into effect in Queensland from 1 January 2023. As a healthcare worker, it is essential for you to understand your rights and obligations to ensure we are able to support our community.

There are key things all CKW staff members must know prior to the legislation coming into effect.

They are:

• Prior to 1 January, all staff are strongly encouraged to complete the training: Voluntary Assisted Dying Education module for healthcare workers. The training only takes 45 minutes and will equip you with the knowledge to meet your obligations to your patients and community.

• You must be aware of your obligations as a healthcare worker under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021.

• If a patient raises the VAD topic with you, you need to know what to do (even if you are a conscientious objector):

• Only a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner can initiate a conversation about voluntary assisted dying. 

If any other healthcare worker initiates a conversation about voluntary assisted dying, they could be found in breach of the Act.

A healthcare worker can provide general information at the person’s request, which must be a clear and unambiguous question. Learn more about responding to a person asking about voluntary assisted dying.

• The Metro North Conversation Guide and Information for Healthcare Workers (QHEPS) is an excellent resource to support staff (including non-clinical staff) on what they can say and do. It can be found on internally on the Metro North QHEPS VAD page

• If unsure, speak with your line manager, otherwise the Metro North VAD team are available via email at MetroNorth_VAD@health.qld.gov.au. A phone number for staff will be available from 1 January 2023.

• If you are an eligible medical practitioner and are interested in becoming an authorised VAD practitioner, please consider applying. You can find out more on the Queensland Health website: Becoming an authorised VAD practitioner

• The Queensland Health Voluntary Assisted Dying Website provides a whole range of resources for consumers and all staff members (including The QVAD Handbook).

I encourage everyone to be aware of the legislation so that we can continue to deliver on our commitment to providing support and care to our community.

Take Care,

Angie.