End of Life Choice and Assisted Dying
The Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act). This includes making any regulations, developing policy, and providing guidance to the health sector. This is to ensure a nationally consistent approach and equity, regardless of location. More information can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website End of Life Choice Act 2019.
Clinicians who work for Clutha Health First will not be taking on positions as Attending Medical Practitioner, Independent Medical Practitioner or Psychiatrist Providing a Competency Assessment as part of implementing the Assisted Dying Service within DHB time.
Clinicians with appropriate skills or qualifications can, however, voluntarily offer to provide parts of the service in a private capacity. They would do this by applying to be on the SCENZ register. Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand (SCENZ) is the national statutory body, established under the Act to facilitate the implementation of an assisted dying service.
If a Clutha Health First clinician is asked about assisted dying by someone who is terminally ill they will provide information to enable that person to contact SCENZ for more information.
Other useful information for the public can be found on the Ministry of Health website: