Voluntary assisted dying isn’t just about law – it’s about people, compassion, and choice. Dr Peter Allcroft, one of South Australia’s most influential leaders in palliative care and voluntary assisted dying, shares how his professional journey has led him to this deeply meaningful work. 

Starting as a respiratory and sleep physician, Peter transitioned into palliative care, driven by a desire to support patients through every stage of life-limiting illness, particularly motor neurone disease. Now Chair of Palliative Care Australia and co-clinical lead for South Australia’s VAD services, he discusses the emotional depth, ethical complexity, and clinical evolution of end-of-life care. Peter explores the importance of patient-centred decisions and the quiet power of listening, empathy, and dignity at life’s end. 

Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department. 

If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services: 

Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745 
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745 
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day 

Voluntary assisted dying isn&rsquo;t just about law &ndash; it&rsquo;s about people, compassion, and choice. Dr Peter Allcroft, one of South Australia&rsquo;s most influential leaders in palliative care and voluntary assisted dying, shares how his professional journey has led him to this deeply meaningful work.&nbsp;
Starting as a respiratory and sleep physician, Peter transitioned into palliative care, driven by a desire to support patients through every stage of life-limiting illness, particularly motor neurone disease. Now Chair of Palliative Care Australia and co-clinical lead for South Australia&rsquo;s VAD services, he discusses the emotional depth, ethical complexity, and clinical evolution of end-of-life care. Peter explores the importance of patient-centred decisions and the quiet power of listening, empathy, and dignity at life&rsquo;s end.&nbsp;
Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website&nbsp; at <a href="https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state">https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state</a> or by contacting your State Health Department.&nbsp;
If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:&nbsp;
Griefline (<a href="https://griefline.org.au/">https://griefline.org.au/</a>) 1300 845 745 Grief Australia (<a href="https://www.grief.org.au/">https://www.grief.org.au/</a>) 1800 642 745&nbsp; Lifeline (<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">https://www.lifeline.org.au/</a>) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day&nbsp;

This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. VAD enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer - or in some cases have a doctor administer - a medication that will end their life.

The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers' own experiences and circumstances.

VAD in South Australia is only accessible to people who meet strict criteria.

Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.

If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:

Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745

Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745

Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. VAD enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer - or in some cases have a doctor administer - a medication that will end their life.
The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers' own experiences and circumstances.
VAD in South Australia is only accessible to people who meet strict criteria.
Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at <a href="https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state">https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state</a> or by contacting your State Health Department.
If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:
Griefline (<a href="https://griefline.org.au/">https://griefline.org.au/</a>) 1300 845 745
Grief Australia (<a href="https://www.grief.org.au/">https://www.grief.org.au/</a>) 1800 642 745
Lifeline (<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">https://www.lifeline.org.au/</a>) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

Voices From Voluntary Assisted Dying

This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. It enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer - or in some cases have a doctor administer - a medication that will end their life.

The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers' own experiences and circumstances.

VAD in South Australia is only accessible to people who meet strict criteria.

Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.

If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services: 
Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745 
Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745 
Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

This podcast series aims to share stories from the family members of loved ones who have accessed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in South Australia. It enables eligible people to voluntarily access and self-administer - or in some cases have a doctor administer - a medication that will end their life.
The journeys undertaken in this podcast are deeply personal and reflective of the speakers' own experiences and circumstances.
VAD in South Australia is only accessible to people who meet strict criteria.
Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at <a href="https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state">https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state</a> or by contacting your State Health Department.
If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services:  Griefline (<a href="https://griefline.org.au/">https://griefline.org.au/</a>) 1300 845 745 Grief Australia (<a href="https://www.grief.org.au/">https://www.grief.org.au/</a>) 1800 642 745 Lifeline (<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">https://www.lifeline.org.au/</a>) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day

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