We are here for you

VAD Services in Brisbane

Compassionate, Lawful Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Support in Brisbane

Losing control of your life can feel overwhelming. Our role is to help you regain dignity and control through a personalised and lawful VAD service.

We provide a bespoke, patient-centred approach tailored to each individual’s medical circumstances, values, and decision-making needs. Where appropriate, we support the involvement of family members and loved ones, ensuring discussions are respectful, informed, and aligned with the patient’s wishes.

Our service supports patients through every stage of the VAD process in Queensland, including:

  • Eligibility assessments

  • Explanation of legal requirements and statutory safeguards

  • Care coordination

  • Guidance through required documentation and timeframes

We ensure patients clearly understand the process, legal protections, and practical steps involved. All aspects of care are delivered carefully, compassionately, and in strict accordance with Queensland law.

Dr. Sherlock has been lawfully licensed to provide VAD services since March 2023. As a specialist anaesthetist, she provides all aspects of this service, including assessments, coordination (or consultation for another coordinator), prescription, and administration.

  • The consultation is an opportunity to explore whether this service is right for you in your circumstances. It is an opportunity to explore options and does not obligate you to make any decisions.

    Questions you may want to ask:

    • What is the process?

    • How do I talk to my family about my choices?

    • What are the risks?

    • When is the right time?

    • What support is available for my family?

    This consultation is partly covered by specialist Medicare rebate if you have been referred by your GP or another doctor.

    For privately insured patients, the gap is typically $250 (depending on your health fund).

    The out-of-pocket cost for uninsured patients is typically $370.

    The initial consultation takes 60-90 minutes.

  • Dr. Sherlock can perform VAD eligibility assessments.

    To be eligible for VAD, you must have a terminal illness which is expected to cause death within 12 months that is causing intolerable suffering. You must also have decision making capacity and must not have been coerced by others.

    You need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and must bring proof of such to the eligibility assessment. You must also bring proof of residency in Queensland for the last 12 months or an exemption for compassionate reunion of family in Queensland.

    It is advisable to have a family member or close support person attend with you. You must be able to speak about your treatment, disease, and prognosis. A GP summary is helpful.

    If you need a qualified interpreter, please advise in advance.

  • Dr. Sherlock can also act as the consulting doctor for a coordinating doctor (primary VAD doctor).

    This consultation is independent and takes 60-90 minutes.

    With referral, it will be covered by Medicare rebate alone (no out-of-pocket expense).

  • As a seperate discrete service, Dr. Sherlock offers counselling to those suffering from grief and bereavement disorder using clinical hypnotherapy combined with strategic psychotherapy.

    This service is not covered by Medicare.

  • Dr. Sherlock will prepare and lodge the legal notification paperwork and issue a death certificate. She will also ensure the Review Board is notified.

    If another doctor issues the death certificate, they must also inform the Review Board if they knew that you accessed voluntary assisted dying.

Flexible Locations in Brisbane

If the patient is able to travel, Dr. Sherlock’s rooms are located in Brisbane City, 250m from Central Station. There is a courtesy bus on the Spring Hill Loop every 15 minutes to assist patients. The bus stop is outside Watkins Medical Centre building, so no walking is required.

She can offer telehealth for consultations, however, discussions regarding prescription and administration, under law, must be conducted in person.

For administration, Dr. Sherlock offers home visit, hospital visit, or other locations within the northern suburbs of Brisbane and Moreton Bay region (extending North to Caboolture, Bribie Island, and Mount Mee, and West to Mt Glorious). Dr. Sherlock is based in the Samford area and travel incurs additional fees.

Fees

Fees reflect specialist consultation rates based upon Australian Medical Association (AMA) rates. Some consultations are covered by Medicare.

Administration is not covered by Medicare and fees depend on whether travel is involved and whether out-of-hours.

Book a Service

We are here for you. If you would like to book an initial consultation, fill out our form and we will be in touch within 1-2 business days.