The author’s mother was diagnosed with young onset dementia at 52 years old. The author reflects on the journey her family went through, from the initial symptoms to her mother’s passing two years later. She emphasizes the need for increased awareness and support for families affected by young onset dementia.
Northumberland Hills Hospital has launched a new palliative and supportive care division and appointed Dr. Francesco Mulé as its head of service. The division will build upon the hospital’s existing six-bed palliative care unit and aims to provide comprehensive end-of-life care and pain management for patients and families. Dr. Mulé, who has been with the hospital since 2011, will leverage his experience in emergency medicine and palliative care to enhance the new division’s services. The hospital will also establish a Palliative and Supportive Care Quality Practice Committee (QPC) to ensure transparency and structure in reporting on palliative care services.
Dame Esther Rantzen, the 83-year-old founder of Childline, has announced that she will not be able to attend the Westminster debate on assisted dying due to her stage four lung cancer diagnosis. Despite her desire to be present, she explained that health issues prevent her from doing so. Rantzen has been considering traveling to Dignitas in Switzerland for an assisted death but has expressed concern over the legal consequences her family could face under current laws. She emphasized that the decision should be hers, as it is her life, and that she supports the majority view that assisted dying should be a personal choice. The upcoming debate marks the first time MPs will discuss the issue in nearly two years, following the publication of legislation in Scotland to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill individuals.
The proposed Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York is nearing a crucial deadline. The legislation aims to address end-of-life care decisions and define permissible practices. Staten Island residents are encouraged to share their perspectives on the bill by emailing llovallo@siadvance.com.
