Phil Laing fourth Tasmanian to enact new voluntary assisted dying laws

A tragic diagnosis led a Tasmanian wine expert to enact new voluntary assisted dying laws before he was robbed of the ability to swallow. See his touching thank you to family and friends before he died.

Phil Laing loved food and wine so much he decided to end his life surrounded by loved ones before motor neurone disease robbed him of his ability to swallow.

Mr Laing, a Tasmanian wine identity and former primary school teacher, died after having a wine on the back deck of his Sandy Bay home with his wife Sally, daughter Rose and close friends by his side.

He is believed to be the fourth Tasmanian to use the new voluntary assisted dying laws which took effect in October.

But the path to ending his life was not an easy one and he also struggled to get appropriate help at home which Rose believes also shortened his life.

Phil with daughter Rose and wife Sally. Phil Laing who recently passed away. Picture: supplied by the family

The 67-year-old was diagnosed with MND in May last year after having some mobility problems which he assumed were from a fall on the beach with his beloved dog Lola.

“He thought it was related to the fall and just pushed it to the side,” Rose said.

“When he got the shock MND diagnosis he was given two years to live but it wasn’t guaranteed they’d be nice years if his body became paralysed and he couldn’t move or swallow and ended up with feeding tubes.

“He didn’t want to go through that because he had such a love of wine and food.

“He loved talking too so he was like,” I’m going to go before it gets to a point where I can’t do those things’.”

Mr Laing’s GP supported his choice but did not have the time to do the hours of online training needed for VAD.

Phil Laing who recently passed away. Picture: supplied by the family

Phil Laing who recently passed away. Picture: supplied by the family

“We were told that not many doctors had done the training and one in the south who had was on leave, so that was a bit hard to hear.

“After people fought really hard for the legislation it was hard to access it.”

Mr Laing had a friend who was a semi-retired GP and found a neurologist in Launceston who signed the VAD approvals.

Mike Gaffney, the member of the Legislative Council who introduced the VAD legislation, said he had understood concerns about the availability of doctors who had VAD training and others who welcomed a peaceful end for their relatives.

Phil with daughter Rose. Phil Laing who recently passed away. Picture: supplied by the family

“Historically it has been demonstrated that in all countries and states there is an initial slow uptake in doctors who undertake the training and qualify,” he said.

As Mr Laing’s health rapidly deteriorated getting help to look after him was difficult.

“He couldn’t do anything for himself and aged care packages can take three to six months.

“We had a carer who came in a couple of hours every day but they said it wasn’t safe on their own and there was no funding for an extra carer.

“We were very lucky that we had very supportive friends and family.

“He didn’t want to go into a nursing home but we couldn’t rely on his friends forever.

“The process has been extremely frustrating and upsetting and I can’t imagine how other people navigate the system, like a 99-year-old grandma who is on their own and needs support.

“I guess in some ways that shortened his life. He chose instead to go through voluntary assisted dying so he didn’t have to suffer and be in hospital.”

After a stint in hospital he returned home on December 23 but he got gastro on Christmas Eve so was unable to enjoy Christmas Day and ended his life three days later.

“It was a beautiful sunny day, he had a glass of wine with everyone.

“He said his goodbyes, the nurse was amazing.

“It was just so beautiful, we couldn’t have had it any better.

“It was a peaceful end for him.”