Voluntary Assisted Dying services and supports on the Mid North Coast

Information provided by Mid North Coast Local Health District:

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) was enacted under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 in NSW in November 2023.

This information is for medical practitioners in the Mid North Coast Local Health District, to provide information of the VAD service and show where to access the appropriate resources should you be required to support your patients and families.

All up to date information on Voluntary Assisted Dying can be sourced from the NSW Health website.

The ‘First Request Patient Information Guide’ is available on the NSW Health VAD website for downloading and printing. This guide provides an overview of the VAD request and assessment process. It is primarily aimed at patients making their first VAD request but also provides a good overview for health practitioners.

About the VAD Care Navigator Service

All patients also have the option to self-refer for access to VAD directly to the state-wide NSW VAD Care Navigator Service on 1300 802 133.

 The VAD Care Navigator Service is a state-wide service that:

• Connects patients with Authorised VAD Practitioners to enable VAD requests and the assessment process in a timely manner.
• Provides support to Medical Practitioners with any queries about how to refer patients or complete first request form on VAD portal.
• Provides information on VAD to anyone who contacts them.

The NSW VAD Care Navigator service is available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1300 802 133

 

VAD services are provided on an LHD basis and do not incur any fees for the patient.

Only an authorised VAD practitioner may accept a patient’s first request for VAD. Authorised Practitioners (AP) have completed VAD training and are approved by NSW Health to conduct VAD medical assessments, prescribe, and administer VAD substances.

All medical officers can complete a First Request form on the VAD Portal. However, if the medical officer is not an AP the first request will not be actioned. The medical officer should advise the patient to self-refer to the NSW VAD Navigator Service.

Mid North Coast (MNCLHD) VAD Support Services:

MNCLHD have a VAD support service.  They provide support and assistance with:

• Coordinating the VAD process for patient’s living in the Mid North Coast Local Health District
• Supporting family and loved ones, pre and post VAD.
• Referring for additional assistance for a patient as required
• Providing education to local health industry organisations and Medical Practitioners
• Assisting Local and Access Service VAD Authorised Practitioners

The MNCLHD VAD Support Service will contact GPs at various stages of the VAD process, with the patient’s consent.  Below is a summary of this process:

1. GPs will receive a letter notifying them a patient has commenced the VAD process, with the offer to contact the VAD service for further information.
2. GPs will receive requests for a patient’s health summary and any supporting documentation regarding their diagnosis and prognosis e.g., pathology or scan results and relevant specialist letters.
3. An Expected Death at Home form is required to be completed by the GP, particularly when the patient is self-administering the VAD substance.
4. If a patient is self-administering the VAD substance the MCCD form may be completed by the GP. If the VAD substance is practitioner administered the AP will complete all documentation in the home, RACH, or hospital.
5. When the patient has died the GP will be notified.

 

MNCLHD VAD Support Service can be contacted Monday to Friday on:

Mobile: 0447 980 617

Email: [email protected]

HealthPathways info: 

MNC HealthPathways has a VAD referral and information link:

• Voluntary Assisted Dying Referrals (username: manchealth, password: conn3cted)