‘It’s too late’: Patients are dying in agony due to limits on VAD
Dr. Debra Ibbotson, a Queensland-based GP, advocates for the expansion of telehealth services for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). She argues that current limitations cause unnecessary suffering for patients and trauma for their families.
Why it matters
The debate over VAD access highlights the tension between medical regulation, patient autonomy, and end-of-life care ethics.
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Share A A A Dr Deb Ibbotson is one of Australia’s foremost advocates for Voluntary Assisted Dying to be available by telehealth. Her practice is in Emu Park in central Queensland.
Fitz: Thank you for your time, Doctor. I want to get to the events of this week, where telehealth and Voluntary Assisted Dying are suddenly on the agenda, but can we go first to your medical background?
Queensland GP Dr Debra Ibbotson is trained to assist with Voluntary Assisted Dying. DI: I’m originally from South Africa, and have been a GP for nearly three decades. As a doctor, you deal with looming death every day of your professional life. Shortly after arriving in Australia, I got very involved in providing palliative care for my patients.
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