Good Grief - To A Better Understanding of Bereavement
Bereavement affects everyone at some point in their life - it is universal but also deeply personal. That said, what do we really understand about the nature of bereavement? Are we, as a society, any good at handling its complexities? Or even just being with those who are bereaved?Joining me to help answer these questions are two experts when it comes to bereavement. Graeme Bell is a hospital chaplain with previous experience in ministry. Peter McMillan is a Practice Development Practitioner who has spent many years working as a nurse in Care of the Elderly. Together they have formed a team to deliver education around death, dying and bereavement for NHS hospital staff in a course called "Solas" (see link below).We discuss bereavement definitions, what it can feel like for an individual, societal attitudes, common misconceptions and share some of our personal and professional healthcare experiences. We also look at "anticipatory grief", exploring what this means and how it is recognised.Here are some links to resources mentioned in this episode:Solas Bereavement Training (for NHS Lanarkshire Staff) https://forms.office.com/e/iCJKQYVjqkCruise bereavement support  https://www.cruse.org.uk/ Dementia UK https://www.dementiauk.org/ Irish hospice foundation  https://hospicefoundation.ie/ Marie Curie  https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/services/bereavement-support-service
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Why is it so hard to let go at the end?
What is the key to letting go of a loved one at the end of their life?We have a death defying but also sometimes a death denying culture in this country. Death remains inevitable at some point though and this reality can clash with our denial. Our understandable discomfort here has contributed to the current clamour for Assisted Dying.I wrote an article for a Sunday newspaper recently about this issue. In this podcast article I narrate my article and hope it can bring some clarity as to why we need to change the culture in this country - not the law.
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Assisted Dying - A Clinician's Perspective
A Bill that would see Assisted Dying legalised is set to go before the Scottish Parliament this year. But what are the implications for medical professionals and their patients?  Two consultant doctors discuss this and share their personal clinical experience in the care of patients who are approaching the end of life. They explore safeguards in the Bill to protect the vulnerable and examine potential consequences for those who lack capacity or have mental illness. An alternative or "3rd Way" to sustain the viability of the NHS into the future is considered at the end of this episode.Â
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Mairi's Story
A bereaved daughter gives an open, honest and sincere account of her mother's journey with dementia, from diagnosis through to her eventual death at home.We discuss the impact of the illness on her Mum and a hospital admission near the end of life that was fraught with many challenges.There are many things to learn from Mairi's Story; for individuals diagnosed with a chronic incurable illness, their families and the wider healthcare profession too.
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Focus on Frailty Part II
A look at frailty from the perspective of a consultant in geriatric medicine. Following on from the previous episode where we explored frailty in the community setting, Dr Helen McKee shares her experience and insights into caring for frail patients in an acute hospital.Helen outlines why hospital admission can sometimes be harmful for frail patients and outlines some novel approaches in their care.We talk about the benefits of discussing care preferences for patients with severe frailty and how this is particularly relevant when approaching the end of life.Link to the Lanarkshire "Hospital at Home" service:https://www.hospitalathome.org.uk/lanarkshire-hah
Exploring the difficulties and challenges around the issue of human mortality. Individuals, society in general and the medical profession all wrestle with this issue. So let's start talking about it! The podcast is hosted by Dr Calvin J. Lightbody who is a consultant in Emergency Medicine. He has 25 years of healthcare experience and has recently been working to improve the care that hospital patients receive towards the end of life. Comments, feedback and questions welcome on Twitter @DrCJLCoaching .Credit: The intro music is an extract of "luv" by "Little Red Church"
South Africa