Overview (Voluntary Assisted Dying Board Annual Report 2022-23)
This is the first annual report of the Review Board submitted to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing in accordance with the requirements of section 120(1) of the Act. Whilst this annual report is for the period 2022-23, voluntary assisted dying only commenced in South Australia on 31 January 2023, so information and statistics contained herein are reflective of the 5 months from 31 January to 30 June 2023.
The information provided in this report includes:
- personal reflections on voluntary assisted dying from family members and medical practitioners that have been involved in the pathway
- an overview of voluntary assisted dying services in South Australia
- an overview of improvement activities undertaken to date to improve the voluntary assisted dying pathway and those that are planned for the coming year
- a collection of data and statistics regarding voluntary assisted dying activity in South Australia collected by the Review Board during 2022-23
- an assessment of the Review Board’s performance against its role and functions as described under section 113 of the Act, for the financial year 2022-23 presented in Appendix 1.
Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners and Custodians
SA Health recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians and we seek to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in decision making processes for matters that affect their lived experiences in the community and through the health system. Together we will develop services and practices to be non-discriminatory and inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, respectful beliefs and culture, fostering self determination and producing equitable health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia.