Pharmacists key role in assisted dying

HOSPITAL pharmacists will have a crucial role in the preparation, storage and management of medicines to facilitate the implementation of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act in Victoria.

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) CEO, Kristin Michaels, said the Victorian Government had entrusted pharmacists to oversee the complex processes involved.

“As practitioners with unique medicines management experience in the challenging environments of acute and palliative care, it is fitting hospital pharmacists are at the frontline supporting the dignified and respectful implementation of this service,” Michaels said.

Under the Act, terminally ill Victorians will be able to make an initial request to access the service through the Voluntary Assisted Dying Board, which will review their case.

The SHPA has no public position on assisted dying.