The Talking Mortality Podcast
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"
The Talking Mortality Podcast
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/iCJKQYVjqk
Cruise bereavement support
Dementia UK
Irish hospice foundation
Marie Curie
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/services/bereavement-support-service