Plibersek challenges doctors to be honest about death

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has challenged doctors to talk about death and explain to terminally ill patients when treatments become futile.

Some doctors say terminally ill patients are undergoing aggressive and uncomfortable treatments even though they are fruitless.

Intensive Care Specialist Doctor Peter Saul says some doctors reflect a death-denying Australian culture and offer futile treatment because it is easier than having difficult conversations.

He says medically ineffective treatment happens daily.

Ms Plibersek told AM doctors need to make sure they are acting in their patients' best interests.

"I spoke to lead clinicians in New South Wales recently and challenged them on this issue of how they communicate with patients," she said.

"Doctors have to be very sure that what they're doing is what the patient wants and in their best interests.

"I would be very disappointed to think that doctors are offering ... treatment, because it's quicker to have the conversation or easier to have the conversation."

Former nurse Miriam Dayhew recently told the ABC about what she calls futile surgery her brother endured just before he died of laryngeal or throat cancer.

"I found it remarkable and distressing that we were going to that point in care. This was a man who had no chance," she said.

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Plibersek challenges doctors to be honest about death