Are we ready for legal assisted dying?

• Published date: 01 May 2021

But plenty of questions remain about whether the processes and infrastructure will be in place for it to happen.

Six months out, the ministry that is responsible for implementing the End of Life Choice Act and making any regulations is still in the process of appointing people to the three statutory positions to oversee the regime.

We lack clarity around how health practitioner training will roll out, who or how many will take part, how training will be funded, or what support will be available. People are already asking health practitioners and advocacy groups for guidance and advice, but nobody is any closer to being able to provide answers.

Despite the criticisms, Health Minister Andrew Little says the ministry has assured him everything will be ready and he’s holding them to that.

“They’re giving me regular updates ... I’m very confident things will be in place,” he told the Weekend Herald.

So what needs to happen to reassure patients, medical practitioners and safety watchdogs that euthanasia will be fair and safe? Here are some of the main concerns and the state of play so far.PATIENTSThe process around assisted dying is complex, and potential patients will need to be very direct with the way they request it. Public information on the process won’t be available until a month before the act comes in.

People are already approaching advocacy groups asking how they can apply. Dr Mary Panko, president of the End of Life Choice Society, says they’re having to explain that people can’t apply until the act becomes law, but is adamant there needs to be clear guidance for patients and their families. She wants people to know what to say, as doctors will not offer choice. By nature, people tend to talk around it, but phrases like “I can’t bear this, I’ve had enough” won’t be clear enough for a doctor to proceed. She says, “The doctor will just sit there nodding and wondering what’s going to happen next and the patient will feel like they’re being turned down.”

In Victoria, where assisted dying became legal two years ago, there are care navigators who liaise between the community and health practitioners. Panko is keen to see navigators introduced here, saying they benefit the people who are initially wondering if they would be eligible as well as providing support for doctors.

While patients and their families are the first ones thought of when it comes to support, service providers will need support as well. Even for those who want to be involved, it’s not going to be easy. Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners president Dr Samantha Murton says the emotional component is significant and it was found in Victoria that support is a critical requirement that needs to be “stood up” early...