Editorial – The old, old story …
Vincent van Gogh once wrote of the way in which “city life sometimes removes the ‘early dew of morning.’” The use of technology and its influence on the way we provide health care is one example of this. In order to satisfy the deep down longing for “the old, old story” we need to communicate insights and wisdom in fresh ways that resonate in the heart where basic human longings are most keenly felt.
An Interview with Mary Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice New Zealand
The growth of the hospice movement in New Zealand has been quite remarkable and there is now widespread recognition and awareness of this movement. But such growth brings challenges. In this article Mary Schumacher offers her insights on moving forward in a society that still resists talking about and facing death in an open way.
Statement on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
An official response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) concerning the provision of food and water to patients who are in a “post coma unresponsive” (vegetative) state.
The CDF Statement on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: What Should We Make of It?
An insightful and detailed reflection on the CDF statement (above) by Dr. Ron Hamel, Senior Director in Ethics of the Catholic Health Association of the United States. In this article Dr. Hamel offers his views on what seems to be clear in the statement, what seems less clear, and what is puzzling.
Understanding the Use of Advance Directives in New Zealand
Many people worry about losing control of decisions about their health care at the end of life. In anticipation of such a time persons can devise a “living will” or “advance directive”. In this article Health and Disability Commissioner Mr Ron Paterson poses and answers a series of questions on the use of advance directives in New Zealand.
Life is a Gift from God
A moving personal reflection by Sue Seconi on the challenges she faced, the insights she gained, and the graces she received as for a decade she “powerlessly and helplessly” watched a degenerative neurological brain disease take over the mind and body of her mother. “At stake is the issue of the meaning of human suffering.”