North Haven Hospice to conscientiously object to providing euthanasia

 

If the End of Life Choice Act does pass into law following the upcoming referendum, North Haven Hospice will conscientiously object to providing euthanasia.

Medical Director Warrick Jones says the organisation fully supports the international hospice philosophy to aim to neither hasten nor postpone death, and that euthanasia does not have a place in palliative care.

“We believe that with good support people can live well until they die naturally, and their loved ones can be an important part of this time and need support also,” he said. North Haven Hospice will continue to provide care and support for people regardless of their desire for euthanasia.

“We acknowledge and respect a person’s right to make choices that are best for them, particularly around end of life. However, no North Haven Hospice staff will be involved in the administration or be present during the administration of euthanasia medications and these cannot be administered on any North Haven Hospice premises.”

Hospice NZ has raised concerns with the lack of clarity and detail when it came to the potential application of the Act, as well as a lack of adequate safeguards, the fact that determining how long someone has to live is often inaccurate, and that the process does not ensure that family/whanau are aware of a request for euthanasia under the Act.

Dr Jones said there is always something that can be done.

Palliative care is provided up until the moment a person dies, and beyond when it comes to bereavement support for family/ whanau. “Palliative care does help people with pain and other distressing symptoms – a lot can be done for a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”

„ For more, visit northhavenhospice.org.nz