So today was my first Monday on call since returning to work - the Big One - and it went well. I must admit, Im feeling quite reflective tonight what with all the coverage of WW1 commemoration. All those people who faced certain death & died in the most appalling circumstances, with bravery or with terror or alone without anyone nearby as their life slipped away. I spent half an hour tonight talking a lovely elderly lady, dying from Cancer, through the meaning of a DNACPR (Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in order to help her to have a good death. Its a huge advance in caring for patients since I qualified; the acceptance that life must end & not to just keep people alive at all costs, that part of our duty is to ease the transition as comfortably & respectfully as possible. She wont be alone; she wont be frightened; she will be comfortable and without pain. Everyone must have different feelings as to how life has improved in general since the unspeakable horror of WW1. This is mine.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 21:14:03 +0000
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