A practical & pastoral guide
Sioned Evans & Andrew Davison

Westcott Foundation/Canterbury Press, 2014. £16.99, Pb 166pp, ISBN 9781848254701
Reviewed by Andrew Fergusson, retired GP & Patron of hospice 23

Palliative care is now arguably a victim of its own success: over-medicalised and in danger of losing its commitment to a holistic approach to death and dying. This comprehensive handbook, written by a palliative care physician and a priest with experience of hospice ministry, comes from the best traditions of Anglicanism and helpfully redresses the balance.

It is intended for clergy, chaplains and hospice/hospital visitors as well as all health professionals. After introducing palliative care and a fascinating chapter on death in Christian theology, it asks provocatively: What is a good death? A necessary chapter follows on the importance of professionals looking after themselves, and there are well written sections on issues affecting the dying, communication, terminal care, and approaching the end. The medical and pastoral inputs blend seamlessly throughout.

The authors quote both CMF and Care Not Killing, 'I just want to die' and they unequivocally reject euthanasia and assisted suicide. Caring for family carers, dying children, continuing care after a death, and an Appendix with prayers for use with the dying complete the book. Overall, an amazing amount of relevant, up-to-date and practical material is packed in. Highly recommended.