Paul Humphreys rambles on....

Paul Humphreys rambles on....
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Monday January 26, 2009

A short stay in Switzerland

Excellent Drama on BBC1 last night. The story was pretty raw but Julie Walters was excellent as the Doctor who found out she had a terminal illness. The story charts her decline and the effect on her, the children and friends who have just seen the husband of the family also succumb to a similar illness. Unlike him Walters decided she would not suffer from the indignity the illness would give her. The final part of the program where she goes to Switzerland was especially moving. The person this story was based on was filmed by the BBC news people and they then showed the news item after she died so no one could interfere with her plans.

( Jan 26 2009, 12:00:04 AM PST ) Permalink Comments [1]

Comments:

Let's not forget the wider implications to Dr Turner's heartbreaking choice for all concerned.

What about the dangers some terminally ill and vulnerable people may face who may be at the mercy of unscrupulous 'carers' who may seek to pressure them to hasten their death for their own gain?

Nobody knows when they will die, however we surely must all act responsibly? Dr Turner's life seemed a lot better than many people even those starving to death in poor countries who face their own untimely, unfortunate deaths with courage and do not turn to suicide.

Dr Turner feared a slow, painful death with the loss of a good quality of life. If she was able to have taken the equally brave choice to continue living,with good NHS care, could she not have had a better more peaceful death, without involving her children with her decision to commit suicide?

Posted by Georgina Hobson on January 26, 2009 at 04:30 AM PST #