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From 1 January 2023 Queenslanders will have access to the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) scheme, which gives people who are suffering and dying the option of requesting medical assistance to end their lives.
Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) does not provide VAD services at our homes/facilities. We know some of our customers may wish to explore this option however and we respect their right to choose. If a customer in our care wishes to access VAD, we will support them to do so.
All processes associated with VAD may take place within a WMQ home where a customer permanently lives. This includes allowing doctors or nurses who can assist with exploring, assessing or administering VAD to visit the customer in their home, or coordinating transport to VAD related appointments when required.
For customers that do not permanently live in a WMQ home (e.g. a customer at a WMQ hospice), all processes associated with VAD may take place at the home/service where it would be unreasonable for the person to be transferred.
WMQ will ensure privacy will be afforded to all customers accessing VAD, including their family, carers, and healthcare workers supporting them. We will also ensure a customer’s decision to explore or access VAD does not impact their day-to-day care.
WMQ will continue providing care and treatment, including psychosocial and spiritual care, to people who are accessing VAD.
For more information about voluntary assisted dying in Queensland, including the contact details for the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Service, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/vad.