Issue Twelve

1 April 2004

Editorial: Organ Donation - The Enduring Gift
New Zealand has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the world. To nurture the life of another through organ donation is nothing short of heroic, yet there are many ethical and moral considerations to be taken account of.

My Experience of Renal Failure and its Treatment
"It was in some ways a resurrection experience for me." A personal reflection from Fr Brian Quin (SM) on life before and after a kidney transplant.

Letter from a Kidney Donor
"The act of giving...affirms life's essential paradox that our deeper potential is sacrificial." A personal reflection from Alan Quin on the "privilege" of being an organ donor and its consequences.

Stem Cell Research in New Zealand
Research into human cells has highlighted the potential of stem cell therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and many more. In theory stem cells could even be induced to grow into organs. This article explains the science of stem cell research and explores key ethical issues, in particular whether potential medical benefits, by itself, provides an adequate framework for regulating research in this area.

Some Musings on Care for the Elderly in General Practice
Care of the elderly presents its own unique challenges. based on a speech given at the inaugural conference of The Nathaniel Centre, Dr Aine McCoy shares from a richness of real life experiences giving insights into the things that the elderly value in their carers, and providing practical suggestions for their care.

Stepping Out Into Aged Care - Acknowledging Possibility
A reflection on engaging with elderly patients. Based on a speech at the inaugural conference held by The Nathaniel Centre, Dr Bernard Leuthart uses narrative and metaphor to show how the use of spiritually creative imagination opens up enormous possibilities for caregivers in their caring ministries.

  • John Kleinsman 1 April 2004

    A great deal of promise and excitement surrounds the new possibilities for health care heralded by increasing knowledge into the development of human cells. In New Zealand, Parliament is presently more»

  • Dr Aine McCoy 1 April 2004

    Many of my elderly patients tell me that it is no fun getting old. My standard reply is that the alternative isn’t that great either! The elderly present us with many challenges medically, more»

  • Dr Bernard Leuthart 1 April 2004

    The potent imagery of the dance is fascinating for the rich storehouse of metaphor it offers for elaborating on the type of movement potentiated in the work of the caring ministries. American more»

  • 30 November 1999

    Christopher had been crossing the road on a drizzly wet Wellington day when he was hit by two cars. He suffered multiple injuries and was placed on life support in Intensive Care. While it was well more»

  • 30 November 1999

    Tuesday, 9 June 1992 was a very important date in my life story. On that day, at Wellington Hospital, my brother Alan gave me one of his kidneys.  It was in some ways a resurrection experience for more»

  • 30 November 1999

    Dear Reader, The opportunity to share vital life enhancing body parts by way of a mutual organ transplant operation is a privilege relatively few New Zealanders will ever experience. Although the more»