The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7387 p168
11 February 2006

This article
Reprint   Photocopy

PDF 50K, Acrobat Reader

· Skin conditions (2)
· Statins
· Independent prescribing
· Compliance aids (2)
· Universal health care
· Assisted dying
· CPD
· The Society

Letters to the Editor

Assisted dying

Dying with dignity

From Miss S. M. Boorman, MRPharmS

I read with great interest and concern the unfolding debate concerning end-of-life issues and assisted dying. From a personal perspective, I had the great privilege of caring for my dying father, who experienced a long, protracted illness, which led to his untimely death from motor neurone disease. I experienced first hand the tragedy of the gradual loss of independence of someone who had spent his entire life being active, independent and caring for others. At no time did he ever even consider end-of-life issues despite him suffering greatly and becoming entirely dependent on me. He taught me not only how to live, but ultimately also how to die with great dignity.

From a professional perspective, I work on care of the elderly wards where end-of-life issues are a common occurrence; we care for patients in the terminal stages of stroke, cancer, dementia and heart failure. I have great respect for the consultants who lead the multidisciplinary team of which I am a part. I see first hand how decisions are made to withdraw active treatment. This is done in a way that allows patients to die with dignity. Our clinical skills become even more important as we strive to alleviate symptoms associated with terminal stages of disease. Palliation, when done skilfully, as I witness on the wards, is the way forward.

As a practising Christian, I believe that life is a precious gift from God. I also believe that it is our duty as pharmacists to first do no harm.

Susan Boorman
Clinical Services Pharmacist
Darent Valley Hospital
Dartford, Kent

Send your letter to The Editor

Previous Topic (Universal health care)
Next Topic (Continuing professional development)