Voices From Voluntary Assisted Dying
Voices From Voluntary Assisted Dying
Podcast Description
This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. VAD enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer - or in some cases have a doctor administer - a medication that will end their life.
The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers' own experiences and circumstances.
VAD in South Australia is only accessible to people who meet strict criteria.
Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.
If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:
Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes surrounding Voluntary Assisted Dying including personal journeys, legal challenges, and emotional support for families. Episode examples include Rowan discussing his mother's use of positive psychology during VAD, and Dr. Linda Swan emphasizing the need for compassionate end-of-life care amid VAD process improvements.
This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. VAD enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer – or in some cases have a doctor administer – a medication that will end their life.
The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers’ own experiences and circumstances.
VAD in South Australia is only accessible to people who meet strict criteria.
Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.
If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:
Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day
This year, Sandra was diagnosed with the same aggressive lung cancer that took her father’s life. Having spent thirteen years as an ambulance clinician and watched her father suffer through chemotherapy, she understood exactly what aggressive treatment would cost her — and chose a different path.
Sandra speaks with Dr Laureen Lawlor-Smith about weighing an oncologist’s optimism against her own clinical experience, the compassionate and thorough support she found through South Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying process, and the relief of knowing the choice is now hers to make.
She also shares how she’s spending her remaining time: continuing a PhD project on trauma-informed care for children, tying up loose ends, and finding peace in a decision made entirely on her own terms.
Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.
If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:
Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day
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