Our deepest appreciation to the Melville Family for sharing their professional & personal perspective on dying - and why euthanasia would pose a grave risk to patients #takeabreath #VAD #qldpol

'Why would a picture of a dying grandfather having a final drink resonate with so many strangers around the world? All Norbert Schemm, 87,...wanted in his final moments was his loved ones beside him while he sipped a beer.' #takeabreath #qldpol bbc.com/news/world-us-…

Excellent observations Adele Farina. Thank you for your consideration of the most vulnerable amongst us #takeabreath #qldpol

'55 amendments...were passed... The Government had insisted the legislation was sound & did not need amending." So... the legislation was perfect, yet still needed 55 amendments - not to mention 400 that were rejected? #takeabreath #qldpol #wapol abc.net.au/news/2019-12-0…

You can only mend something so much before it's exposed as irretrievably broken. And that's what legalised doctor assisted suicide is for the State of Western Australia. A tragic day for the vulnerable amongst us 💔😢🙄 #takeabreath #qldpol

(1) Head of QLD AMA: '6 yrs have passed & there has been inexcusable slow progress to improve things. QLD has only half the number of specialist palliative care services it needs to meet the community need & we need to urgently correct this.' #qldpol rebrand.ly/95908

(2) 'What we need is a complete restructure of palliative care services in QLD. A state-wide “hub and spoke” model of care would allow palliative care units at each major training hospital, supporting palliative care regional clinics within each hospital & health region.' #qldpol

(3) 'This would help ensure doctors meet their ethical duty to care for patients so that death is allowed to occur in comfort and with dignity, regardless of where they live in Queensland.' - QLD AMA President Dr Dilip Dhupelia urges QLD MP's to #takeabreath #qldpol

(4) 'The real questions to be asked of those pushing for voluntary assisted suicide in Queensland is what are they really seeking? Do they feel they do not have the autonomy to die in comfort and dignity alongside their loved ones and preferably at home?' #takeabreath #qldpol

(5) "Would they feel the same way if they had access to state-of-the-art palliative care when they need it and where they need it, no matter where they live?" - QLD AMA Head Dr Dilip Dhupelia asking what we're all thinking... #takeabreath #qldpol

(6) "The....State Budget...provides an ideal opportunity to significantly invest in palliative care services to demonstrate to the ageing and frail that the Gov. is genuinely considering their health needs." - QLD AMA President Dr Dilip Dhupelia challenges QLD to #takeabreath

With the QLD Gov. making a truly bizarre list of recommendations in their report into #VAD, we hope that this one at least is protected....#takeabreath #qldpol #auspol

Wait...what? Apparently the QLD Parliamentary Health Committee doesn't think counselling is a necessary condition for those wishing to end their lives....😕 Perhaps it's time they #tookabreath #qldpol #VAD

Never thought that we'd see the day that a Parliamentarian is recommending euthanasia for those who literally cannot #consent. Unacceptable. #takeabreath #vad #qldpol

The Parliamentary Health Committee has released their report into Voluntary (funny how they always make sure to include that word 🤔) Assisted Dying. And we're not impressed. Follow us Defining Our Dying to be kept updated & to hear from experts in this field. #qldpol #auspol #VAD

It's only appropriate that such laws as #VAD should be seriously reconsidered when so many of our elderly and vulnerable have been severely impacted by #COVID2019. Let's give our vulnerable the very best of care - medically & psychologically. #takeabreath #qldpol

We call on the QLRC to consider the serious disparity in the level of palliative care available to different QLD'ers when considering #VAD. EVERY QLD'er should have access to the top quality care to prevent being forced into considerations of assisted suicide #takeabreath #qldpol

With recommendations like these....who's grateful that the Parliamentary Health Committee doesn't get the final say? 🤨🙄🧐 #takeabreath #qldpol #VAD

Let's not forget out medicos when considering #VAD. Shouldn't we listen to the experts....? #takeabreath #qldpol