A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN FOR THE FEW?
An oral history of the modern hospice movement in the United Kingdom
David Clark, Neil Small, Michael Wright, Michelle Winslow, Nic Hughes
Observatory Publications, 2005
239 pp
ISBN 0 95441920-0
RRP £15.
Available at www.observatory-publications.net or www.amazon.co.uk
This wonderful book is an oral history of the modern hospice movement in the United Kingdom, collected and collated by Professor David Clark and his team. Here are the memories, motivations, the perseverance and the achievements of 80 individuals who helped make the modern hospice movement what it is.
The book is arranged by themes: how and why they became involved with hospice care; the development and expansion of the hospice movement; the development and meaning of team work; the emergence of professional palliative care organizations; the spiritual dimensions of hospice care; the management of physical suffering; the evolution of bereavement care; and, unfinished business.
And the title? Dr. Graham Thorpe of Southampton posed the question “Should we be offering a service to South Hampshire or “a little bit of heaven for the few”?”, underlining the challenges that still remain if all in need are to receive the care they require and deserve.
Fascinating reading.
Roger Woodruff
Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Melbourne Australia
(May 2005)
Table of Contents
Introduction
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Personal motivations
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Hospice growth and spread
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Hospice teamwork: Towards an integrated community
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Diversification: The rise of hospice organizations and professional associations
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Spirituality and hospice care
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Pain, symptoms and the hospice response
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The family is not an optional extra: Bereavement care as an integral part of the hospice
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Finished and unfinished business
