Fewer than 100 day until voluntary assisted dying starts in SA, with a Repat pharmacy at the centre of euthanasia

With fewer than 100 days until voluntary euthanasia starts in SA, pharmacists, “care navigators” and doctors are gearing up – with a Repat pharmacy the HQ of the $18m scheme.

A pharmacy at the Repat Health Precinct will spearhead the state government’s $18m move to deliver euthanasia under strict safeguards, with access to start on January 31, 2023.

Pharmacists and “care navigators” are being trained to deliver the voluntary assisted dying (VAD) scheme for terminally ill South Australians and mandatory training for doctors who want to provide access to VAD will begin next month.

New VAD Lead Pharmacist Lauren Cortis will have a team of three senior pharmacists and a pharmacy technician to facilitate supply, education and safe disposal of euthanasia medications.

Ms Cortis has spent ten months developing the state’s VAD medication protocols.

“I am confident we will be able to ensure for the safe use of medicines, delivered by compassionate, qualified and appropriately trained pharmacists in the SA VAD Pharmacy service,” she said.

“As a pharmacist of nearly 20 years, I feel I bring in-depth experience to this new role and I’m determined to work closely with patients, medical practitioners and the Review Board to ensure we deliver safe and appropriate access to VAD medications for those who meet the criteria.”

Lauren Cortis, lead pharmacist for South Australian voluntary assisted dying pharmacy service, at the Repat. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Patients seeking VAD will be supported by pharmacists, care navigators and the VAD Review Board.

The VAD Care Navigator Service will help patients, families and health practitioners find their way through the complex process – recruitment is underway with applications closing this Friday.

The eight-member Review Board will monitor VAD assessments to “promote continuous improvement, ensuring the functions and powers of all people involved in the service comply with the legislation.”

The January 31 start date – fewer than 100 days away – was brought forward from the original plan to have it start in March amid lobbying from VAD supporters who wanted it accessible from this month because “people are going to be suffering over Christmas”.

Health Minister Chris Picton said appointing qualified staff was crucial to ensure the service aligned with the Act.

“That is why these positions are critical and each recruitment has been based on significant experience with and knowledge of voluntary assisted dying,” he said.

“South Australia continues to review and evaluate the mechanisms for voluntary assisted dying to guarantee we are providing a community-centred service that safeguards patients.”

Dr Chris Moy, Lauren Cortis, Lead pharmacist for South Australian voluntary assisted dying pharmacy service and Health Minister Chris Picton at the Repat. Picture: Brenton Edwards

SA VAD Implementation Taskforce Chair Dr Chris Moy noted SA was fortunate to have so many well-qualified personnel working across the various teams involved.

“We are conscious that we continue to engage with stakeholders right through to voluntary assisted dying becoming available in South Australia to ensure the information available meets the needs of the community,” he said.

SA Health will host a one-day virtual conference on VAD next month for clinicians, health services and residential care services.