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October 13, 2021
Māori expert on End of Life Review Committee
Ellyce McLeod
Posted On October 13, 2021
Download AudioA three-person board has been selected to oversee the workings of the new assisted dying law.
Health Minister Andrew Little says the End of Life Review Committee will look at every case to ensure the law was followed, identify any patterns that emerge and give advice to medical practitioners.
The panel includes nurse turned lawyer and medical ethicist Dr Dana Wensley, Dr Jane Greville, a medical practitioner practicing end-of-life care, and Brenda Close from Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, and Ngāti Maniapoto, who’s currently director of nursing the Canterbury District Health Board’s Ashburton Rural Health Service.
Mr Little says he’s been advised by Māori medical practitioners that many Māori struggle with the idea of making a decision about ending your life when you are terminally ill.
“The kaupapa around end of life stage is you are provided are and you are nursed through the difficult stage and then whānau have time to come to terms and then to grieve in that way. I am told that is the preferred approach that happens in te ao Māori,” he says.
The End of Life Choice Act takes effect next month.
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