Question On Notice No. 1152 asked in the Legislative Council on 1 December 2022 by Hon Nick Goiran
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Minister for Health
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Board Western Australia Annual Report 2021-22 that references ‘[t]he personal impact of
voluntary assisted dying on practitioners undertaking this important work’ and
provides the following quotes on page 7 :
It was hard on me afterwards. My administration went well, he simply went
to sleep with no side-effects. But to be
at home, simply with family and no other support (because they were a private
couple and I respect that) was confronting – hardest thing I have ever done!
Coordinating Practitioner. The night before an administration is
usually not great as I flip from side to side sleeplessly rehearsing scenarios
for the day ahead (especially if I have to put in an IV cannula) …
…A friend of mine who is a midwife and
has a lot of involvement in stillbirth, came to see me when she knew I was
taking on this work. She gave me a box
of trinkets and explained her own way of memorialising the little lives that
came into and went out of the world so quickly.
So I kept her trinkets and added my own, mainly items from the natural
world that remind me, in one way or another, of this person and their
importance in my life.
Coordinating Practitioner; and I ask, what supports are available to
practitioners who administer VAD substances to cause the death of a patient
including mental health supports and counselling, if any?
Answered on 14 February 2023
There are several supports available to practitioners who administer voluntary assisted dying in WA. This includes peer support through the community of practice; mentorship by the community of practice for new practitioners; support for practitioners provided by the Statewide Care Navigator Service; and debriefing for practitioners provided by the Statewide Care Navigator Service.
In addition, practitioners have access to the following services:
· Doctors’ Health Advisory Service WA
· DRS4DRS website
· Nurse & Midwife Support
· Australian College of Nurse Practitioners Peer Support
· GP Support Program
Contacts for support services are outlined in the mandatory training which all practitioners must complete.