- LETTER FROM MINISTER FOR HEALTH, BRONWYN PIKE 03/07/06 -
Hon Bronwyn Pike MP
Member for Melbourne
Minister for Health
Government of Victoria
Australia
03/07/06
Dear Mary
Thank you for your email regarding Dying with Dignity.
Legislation relating to end-of-life issues in Victoria is covered by the Medical Treatment Act 1988 (the Act). The Act allows a
competent person to:
Under the Act an agent can only refuse medical treatment in
specific circumstances, these are where the proposed medical treatment would
cause unreasonable distress to the patient or there are grounds for the belief
that, were the patient competent and in possession of the relevant facts, they would consider the treatment unwarranted. Under the Act, the
refusal of medical treatment does not include the refusal of palliative care.
The Government funds hospitals to deliver information sessions to assist individuals who are approaching the end of their life, as well as
their families. The 'Respecting Patient Choices' program assists people to
understand the Victorian legislation, their treatment options and assists individuals and their families to discuss an individual's values in
life and their preferences about future health care, which may include end of
life care.
The Government invested more than $65 million in 2005-06 on inpatient and home-based palliative care services across Victoria. The
Government's Strengthening palliative care: a policy for health and community
care providers 2004-09 provides a framework and informs further service
improvements.
The Government believes the current provisions in the Medical Treatment Act provide sufficient scope to support clinicians and individuals
approaching the end of their life.
Thank you for taking the time to let me know your views on this matter.
Bronwyn Pike
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