More than 100 people die in first year of South Australia’s voluntary assisted dying program

A family of one of the more than 100 South Australians to die from euthanasia over the past year has opened up on the experience.

A family of one of the more than 100 South Australians to die from euthanasia over the past year has opened up on the experience.

More than 100 people have died following administration of Voluntary Assisted Dying medication in the first year of the scheme’s operation in SA.

This week marks the first anniversary of program, which provides eligible members of the community greater choice at the end of their life.

Lynne Wong, 73, was among those in SA to use the program in its first year. She died peacefully in June surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Lynne Wong died last June using voluntary assisted dying legislation aged 73 after a long battle with breast cancer. Picture: Supplied by family

Her daughter Jasmin Wong said VAD allowed her mother to go out on her terms.

Ms Wong said her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and despite treatment, five years later it had spread to her lungs and bones.

“We were very grateful to know Mum was able to end her life with dignity, peace and joy,” she said.

“We were so lucky to have been able to spend Mum’s final moments ticking off some of the things she wanted to do, like fish and chips down at the beach.”

Ms Wong said it was great for individuals and family’s to now have access to the program.

“Mum had always expressed a wish that if voluntary assisted dying was available it was a pathway she would like to explore,” she said.

After the legislation passed, the family did their research and Mrs Wong met the criteria.

Ms Wong was full of praise for the care team and all professionals involved.

“Along the way the care navigator team always acted with grace, respect and empathy and were so kind and our family is forever grateful for that,” she said.

Across the year, there were 195 people issued with a VAD permit by the Health Department and, of those, 140 people died – including 110 from administration of the VAD medication.

Data released by the state government on Thursday showed 75 per cent of those who applied were aged 65 years or older, while 53 per cent were male and 47 per cent female.

There were 77 per cent receiving palliative care when they applied, and 68 per cent were from metropolitan Adelaide.

There are now 121 doctors registered to undertake the VAD training, with 73 of those currently eligible to support access to VAD in South Australia.

Health Minister Chris Picton speaks to media. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Health Minister Chris Picton said introducing VAD in South Australia was “an important milestone”.

“I am pleased that the laws have been working so well over the past 12 months,” he said.

“VAD provides peace of mind to South Australians and their families and gives greater choice at the end of their life.

“Our thanks go to the dedicated clinicians, staff and volunteers who continue to support patients to access the VAD pathway with care and compassion.”

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said VAD has finally become a key part of the end-of-life journey for South Australians after 16 previous attempts to pass legislation.

“This one-year anniversary is a significant milestone, particularly for those who dedicated years of advocacy and hard work to getting VAD into operation,” he said.

“Thanks to their efforts, VAD will continue to benefit many South Australians and their families and give South Australians the choice and comfort of dying with dignity.”

VAD review board presiding member Melanie Turner said this week marked “a significant milestone for those impacted by VAD in the community”.