Victoria was the first state in Australia to introduce Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation in June 2019. VAD has the potential to impact any nurse working in cancer care. With almost 5 years of experience to draw on, this forum will give you the opportunity to learn or refresh your knowledge, and reflect on VAD. The aim is to achieve better outcomes and experiences for nurses, patients, and families. You’ll have the opportunity to:
This event is facilitated by the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying navigator service. The Statewide Care Navigator Service is supported by the Victorian Government and provides support to individuals and families, community, clinicians, and health services in all aspects of VAD. This ranges from individual support to helping develop or review policy or procedures.
Susan was engaged in 2019 to develop a model of care for the Victorian voluntary assisted dying navigator service, the first in Australia, and now leads the Statewide Care Navigator Service. She is a clinical nurse consultant, with a Master of Public Health degree (Health Program Evaluation) and Graduate Certificate in eHealthcare. Susan has an extensive project development and clinical nursing background in Australia, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand.
Laurie joined the Statewide Care Navigator Service in 2020 and has close to 20 years of nursing experience, predominantly in cancer and haematology nursing. She holds post graduate qualifications in haematology and oncology nursing and transfusion practice. Laurie is committed to ensuring that patient choice and autonomy is at the forefront of all her interactions.
Kristen Kappel has worked in a variety of roles over the past 25 years in psychology in Australia. A constant theme in her work has been working in the health psychology area, with presentations and settings including chronic illness, chronic pain, cancer care, end of life care and aged care. She joined the Statewide Care Navigator Service two years ago and finds it a privilege to support those who choose the VAD pathway, and to support their family and treating team.
Clare has 15 years experience as a Clinical Ethicist at the Children’s Bioethics Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Clare is currently a clinical ethicist at Peter Mac and clinical ethics consultant to health institutions without their own embedded clinical ethicist. Clare is a nationally accredited mediator specialising in tertiary education settings, and in clinical care situations that prevent collaborative and respectful communication.
Melanie completed her undergraduate degree in health science and social work at Monash University and completed a Master in Public Health and Health Management at UNSW in 2020. Her clinical experience is in palliative care and ICU at Eastern Health and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She also worked as a team leader and clinical education co-ordinator at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Melanie held the role of Statewide Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator from 2019 – 2023. She is currently working on a joint social work project at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter Mac exploring bereavement care in the acute hospital setting.
Katie is a motivated and compassionate senior nurse with a strong focus on supporting palliative care education, wellbeing, teambuilding and research. She has been an employee at Peter Mac since 2018 and holds postgraduate qualification in palliative care, specialising in the areas of oncology and AYA care. She has a passion in ensuring the ongoing equitable delivery and growth of quality palliative care and looks forward to engaging in all areas of growth and development within the field.
