Eastern Health Directory
For General Practitioners
Advance Care Planning
All adults have the right to be involved in making decisions about the medical treatment and care they receive. There may come a time however when a person is unable to make these decisions for themselves due to a change in health, dementia or unconsciousness because of a serious accident.
If you could not speak for yourself, who would speak for you and make decisions on your behalf? Does that person know what sort of medical treatment you would want? Have you discussed this with anyone before?
You can legally choose someone to speak on your behalf and make medical decisions for you; they are called a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney. You are also able to write down your wishes about life prolonging treatments or what you would want health carers to do if your heart stopped. These wishes can be written into a document we call a ‘Statement of Choices’ and are then made available to those who need to know this information such as family and your treating doctors.
For further information and assistance in appointing a Medical Power of Attorney or undertaking an Advance Care Plan, contact the Advance Care Planning office on 99551276, to arrange an appointment. There is no cost involved.
Eligibility Criteria
Nil eligibility criteria
Cost
No costs for referrals seen by the Advance Care Planning office
Our Team
- Manager (M-F)
- Advance care planning coordinator (3days/week)
- ACP Medical Consultant – @Box Hill Hospital Emergency and Intensive Care Departments (sessional)
Wantirna HealthAddress251 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, 3142
ContactP 9955 1276
F (03) 9955 1384
Hours
Car ParkingCar parking available – fee payable
Public Transport
Information
FOR MORE INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an advance care plan?An advance care plan may include one or all of the following:
- Appointment of a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney
- Documentation of your wishes regarding specific medical treatment.
- A refusal of treatment certificate relating to a current medical condition.
- Discussion with family and significant others including your doctor about your wishes.
|
Why do an advance care plan?An advance care plan gives you the opportunity to record ahead of time, your health treatment choices. When you are unable to speak for yourself your advance care plan will speak for you and assist those involved in making healthcare decisions. |
When is my advance care plan used?Whilst you are still capable of discussing your healthcare with your doctors, your advance care plan will not be used. It is only used when you are unable to communicate your own decisions or lose the ability to make decisions due to dementia or some other condition. |
Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance care plan?In the state of Victoria you do not require a lawyer to compete an advance care plan. A doctor or a ‘Respecting Patient Choices Facilitator’ can help you complete your plan. Contact this office to find out how we can assist. |
What if I want to change my advance care plan?You can change your advance care plan at any time whilst you are still legally able to make your own medical decisions. You can cancel the documents by destroying them, or write a new plan which will automatically override any previous plans. It is important to inform others that you have made changes. |