Kia ora koutou,
The Ministry of Health has a work programme underway to implement the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act) and assisted dying services. From 7 November 2021, people who experience unbearable suffering from a terminal illness will be able to legally ask for medical assistance to end their lives.
Please participate in the second workforce survey
We are continuing to seek feedback from health professionals, health practitioners, and health service providers as part of the implementation of an assisted dying service. This survey aims to give us an indication of health workforce knowledge, understanding and attitudes towards the Act, and the available workforce training.
You are invited to participate in the second End of Life Choice Act 2019 implementation workforce survey here https://consult.health.govt.nz/regulatory-assurance/19686d4c
The survey is open for 3 weeks, closing on 1 August, and takes about ten minutes to complete.
Health practitioners have a right to conscientiously object to providing assisted dying services. This survey does not seek confirmation or an indication about whether you intend to either participate in, or opt out of, the service. It is seeking feedback on your understanding of the Act and assisted dying as part of the implementation planning.
Please note: the survey will not identify individual responses to the Ministry, and the results will help inform our approach to the development of further training and guidance for health professionals as part of the implementation of an assisted dying service. Anonymised results of this survey will be published on the Ministry’s website as part of ensuring a transparent process in implementing the Act.
Registration is now open for the assisted dying workforce forum
We are hosting a workforce forum at the end of September to bring together health practitioners and others in the health workforce who are likely to be involved in providing assisted dying services. It will be an opportunity to ask questions, establish networks with peers, and learn about the assisted dying service and roles within it.
Registrations for the Assisted Dying Workforce Forum are now open. Please go to the registration page: confer.eventsair.com/moh/register
The registration period is open until 6 August.
Health practitioners who would like to be involved in providing assisted dying services are encouraged to attend this event. The second day of the forum will include practical training related to providing assisted dying services.
Please note that registering through this form does not automatically secure you a place at the forum. Places will be prioritised for health practitioners who may be involved in providing assisted dying service and Māori health providers. Confirmations of registration will be provided in early August.
Further information and resources
Information on the Act and the implementation programme can be found here: www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/end-life-choice-act
Workforce resources and training on the Act and assisted dying can be found on LearnOnline: learnonline.health.nz/enrol/index.php?id=470
For questions email: eolc@health.govt.nz.
Ngā mihi maioha
End of Life Choice Act implementation programme team