Personal reflections on voluntary assisted dying (Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board Annual Report 2024-25)

The Review Board greatly values the thoughtful feedback provided by patients, families, health practitioners and members of the community in relation to voluntary assisted dying. Such feedback offers valuable perspectives on how well the voluntary assisted dying pathway is meeting the needs and expectations of the community and supporting our workforce. A selection of feedback received during the reporting period is provided below.

Reflection 1

I think that we all, his siblings and families and friends were so grateful for the caring and dignified experience. Especially how he was able to control his last day and do it so well. It was sad, and a relief, but also quite wonderful, for me at least. 

Your team did so well to prepare him, and us, and to gently allow it all to happen as he wished.

That is how it appeared for us. Certainly, there was a solid process that made sure it all went smoothly, and that he was able to stop it at any time.

The nurse and doctor for his final day were just the most caring people. I do think he felt he was in good hands.

Reflection 2

By the time mum was eligible (6-months to passing), mum was taking so much pain management medication that it made her lose lucidity. Since she needed to be clear for the doctors’ visits and final paperwork, she refused her pain management to make sure she could make her request clearly and be accepted. It was traumatic for her and for us to witness and navigate. It would have been much better if mum could have received the kit when she first applied and then been able to administer when she was ready without unnecessary trauma.

Reflection 3

On reflection I wish I had done more things with her, had more conversations, got to know her more, though we had 30 years together and four years notice. So, it seems to me that the death itself is only part of the process. That we need to look forward towards it, but also to look forward after it. What will I do tomorrow without her? We need a new way of seeing life, either side of death, to reflect back and project forward. How do we work together to incorporate these aspects in a more integrated and holistic engagement in life?

Reflection 4

He had a small mouthful, then did like a shot of alcohol for the rest. He had schnapps first, after he had a few sips of water, another schnapps and half a Baileys. He said it was okay and didn't bother him at all.
He was calm and restful, his eyes went sleepy, he held his head back, it was just like normal going to sleep. He did have a couple of times where he opened his mouth wide, but it was only momentarily and then back to normal like sleeping with his mouth open. Then it was around 10 minutes, and his breathing stopped, and his chest stopped moving.

Reflection 5

We found the visit very respectful and fluid, allowing us to get through the process with some humour. We had question's which were answered fully, and we felt very comfortable with what to do.