Voluntary assisted dying | COORDINARE

Voluntary assisted dying

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is a choice available to eligible people in NSW who are approaching the end of their life. This will be in addition to other choices that patients may make about their end-of-life care, including palliative care.

Voluntary assisted dying is one end of life option among many, and people should take time to consider all their options. It is important to be aware that accessing voluntary assisted dying requires considerable preparation and planning.

A person's decision to seek information about, or access to, voluntary assisted dying has no impact on the person's access to high-quality palliative care.

Where to go for support

Ask your doctor

This could be your GP or another specialist. In NSW, unlike in some other states, medical practitioners and health care workers can initiate discussions about VAD as long as they inform you about available treatment options and palliative care at the same time. 

If your doctor can’t help you (they may not have completed the mandatory training or they may not want to be involved, known as ‘“conscientious objection’”) you are entitled to look for another doctor who is willing to help.

Contact NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service

The NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service are trained health professionals who can guide you through the VAD process and answer any questions you may have. 

You can contact them via email at NSLHD-VADCareNavigator@health.nsw.gov.au or call toll free on 1300 802 133.

You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service on 1300 802 133 if you need language support.

If you have made a first request, consider this guide. It has information about the voluntary assisted dying process for people who have made a formal request to a doctor to access voluntary assisted dying.

VAD supports and resources

Support for family members, friend, or your support person

General information and resources

Resources in your language

Frequently asked questions

Go Gentle Australia have complied a list of frequently asked questions about voluntary assisted dying. Who is eligible for voluntary assisted dying? Can I die at home? Answers to these questions and more can be found via their website.

Read FAQs here