Message from Anglicare
- 21 November 2023
- Stuart Robinson
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| Dear Families and Friends of Anglicare Residential Care, I am writing to you to today regarding Anglicare’s position on Voluntary Assisted Dying. In late November this year, the legislation known as the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 (NSW) (VAD Act) will commence. In broad terms, when the legislation commences it will provide a process for people in NSW who are suffering from an advanced and progressive life limiting condition, a choice to end their own life under medical supervision in accordance with the Act. The Act requires people, medical professionals, and health authorities to take into consideration a detailed eligibility criteria. With the legislation commencement date nearing, and some public discussion occurring, we believe that is it timely to write to you. Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive matter, and we seek to have mature and respectful conversations. Anglicare’s position is that it is opposed to physician-assisted suicide in any form and will not provide services relating to voluntary assisted dying at any Anglicare facility. In line with a Biblical worldview, Anglicare believes in the dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their circumstances. We are committed to providing life-affirming care and choice, including palliative care that supports a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We prioritise active empathy, dignified and enriched living, and excellent palliative care support, while promoting natural dying and collaborative decision-making for symptom management. Anglicare will comply with its statutory obligations under the VAD Act. In accordance with section 89 of that Act, we have decided that we will not provide services relating to voluntary assisted dying at Anglicare facilities. This means Anglicare and our staff will refuse to participate in the request and assessment process, participate in an administration decision, prescribe, supply, or administer a voluntary assisted dying substance, store a voluntary assisted dying substance or be present at the time of administration or self-administration. Our staff have been informed about our position and have commenced education and training on the policy and procedures that have been developed with the approval of the Board. Staff are being well supported with pastoral care, chaplaincy, counselling, and other measures. We welcome any queries that you might have about our position. You can address your queries to vad@anglicare.org.au . Importantly, if you seek specific information about voluntary assisted dying, we recommend that you speak to your medical practitioner and to NSW Health. We continue to offer palliative care, comfort, and spiritual support to all residents and clients of Anglicare to minimise the person’s suffering and to maximise an individual’s quality of life until death. Anglicare will continue to provide pastoral care and chaplaincy support to residents, clients and their family and friends. We encourage prayer and heartfelt consideration and I welcome any questions that you might have. Yours Sincerely, Anglicare Maryann Curry Chief Executive- Residential Care, Anglicare Sydney |
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