Choosing Life After Choosing Death: Jess Amsden on Organ Donation Following Voluntary Assisted Dying

What if the choice to die could also be the choice to save someone else's life?In this episode, I'm joined by Jess Amsden, a senior nurse who holds a new and unique role at DonateLife Victoria as their Family Communication Nursing Coordinator. Piloted nationally over the past two years, the role is a first for Australia, sitting at the intersection of organ donation and voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Jess brings an abundance of experience in critical care nursing and education to a space that barely existed a few years ago.Australia's first case of organ donation following VAD happened in Victoria in 2023, and interest in the pathway has been growing across the country ever since. Jess talks us through how it works, the safeguards that keep the two decisions separate, and the story of Marlene, the woman whose choice paved the way and whose legacy continues to save lives. We also cover the myths that stop people registering, what families and patients most want to know, and why simply telling your loved ones what you want can make all the difference when it matters most.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/