Diocesan News
Palliative care specialist Baroness Finlay Visits the Isle of Man
Monday 20th February 2012
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, a leading expert in palliative care has visited the Isle of Man where she met and spoke with staff at Hospice Isle of Man where she said she was 'impressed with the facilities.'
This was followed by a lunchtime public meeting and lecture at St George's Church, Douglas where, welcomed and introduced, by Archdeacon Andie Brown a good-sized audience, including Members of the House of Keys and government ministers gathered to hear the Baroness speak.
The audience heard how good palliative care can prolong a person's life. Quoting Cicely Saunders she said, 'Dignity is having a sense of personal worth.' It is this dignity that is at the centre of good palliative care in maintaining someone's worth and value as a human being and the recognition that the care is as individual as the person.
Continuing with her thoughts and quoting modern research Baroness Finlay used much of her anecdotal experience in bringing a warmth and humanity to her audience in illustrating the subject.
Following a question and answer session with members of the audience Baroness Finlay was thanked by Bishop Robert for her thoughtful wisdom providing a good insight into what good palliative care is really about.
After the public meeting Baroness Finlay addressed a group of medical practioners on the Island.