More than 700 healthcare workers and community members will today attend the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Conference in Sydney.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the conference will provide an overview of how eligible people will be supported to access voluntary assisted dying when it becomes available in NSW on 28 November 2023.

“NSW Health is committed to supporting people across the state to access high quality and compassionate end of life care,” Dr Chant said.

“We are establishing a safe and accessible framework to implement voluntary assisted dying, in line with the requirements of the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022, and today’s conference will provide important information on the process,” Dr Chant said.

“We are committed to working closely with our local health districts and healthcare practitioners to support eligible patients across NSW to access voluntary assisted dying, if this aligns with their goals of care.

“We are developing resources and training for healthcare practitioners, including general practitioners, and guidance for private healthcare and residential care facilities to clearly outline rights and obligations under the Act.

“We have also been working with our Consumer Engagement Advisory Group and community members, including Aboriginal people, those from multicultural backgrounds, and rural and regional communities to co-design resources that meet the needs of patients.

“Information and support services, including a care navigator service to provide information and help connect people with authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioners, will be available for patients, their loved ones, healthcare practitioners and other service providers.”

Today’s conference presents an opportunity for attendees to listen and learn from interstate experts from Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland where voluntary assisted dying has already been implemented.

Families who have experienced or are going through the voluntary assisted dying process in other states have also generously agreed to share their stories.

The conference will be livestreamed today for anyone who cannot attend in person. To register, visit the ICC event portal.

Medical practitioners and nurse practitioners interested in becoming an authorised voluntary assisted dying practitioner can review eligibility requirements and register to complete mandatory training via the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Portal on the NSW Health website.

For more information on voluntary assisted dying, visit the NSW Health website.