A Bill that would see Assisted Dying legalised is set to go before the Scottish Parliament this year. But what are the implications for medical professionals and their patients? Two consultant doctors discuss this and share their personal clin

Mairi's Story

Mar 9th, 2020 31m 7s

A bereaved daughter gives an open, honest and sincere account of her mother's journey with dementia, from diagnosis through to her eventual death at home.We discuss the impact of the illness on her Mum and a hospital admission near the end of l

Focus on Frailty Part II

Mar 2nd, 2020 33m 2s

A look at frailty from the perspective of a consultant in geriatric medicine. Following on from the previous episode where we explored frailty in the community setting, Dr Helen McKee shares her experience and insights into caring for frail pat

Focus on Frailty

Jan 16th, 2020 33m 54s

Just over half of our over 65 year old population live with a degree of frailty. So what exactly is frailty? Can it be prevented or controlled? What are the implications of and prognosis with a diagnosis of frailty? What are the benefits of ear

Palliative Care: Myths, Mysteries and Reality

Aug 1st, 2019 33m 46s

"My doctor has referred me to palliative care - does that mean they've given up on me and I'm going to die?". This is a common and understandable concern for patients who have a life limiting condition when they first hear about the referral.In

Dementia - A Realistic Conversation

Jun 21st, 2019 30m 57s

What is dementia? If someone has dementia, what is their prognosis and outlook for the future? What happens when a patient no longer has the capacity to make decisions about their own healthcare? What about dementia care at the end of life?In t

Things Go Better With Planning

May 27th, 2019 29m

You wouldn't go on holiday without some degree of planning. It makes sense to pack your case in advance, thinking about what you might need for your trip. An overstuffed case can be burdensome (not to mention expensive!).Similarly when it comes

No pill for this ill - Spiritual Pain at the End of Life

May 14th, 2019 36m 49s

A discussion with Rev Tricia Johnston, hospital chaplain, about spiritual pain. We examine what spiritual care is and how it is particularly relevant for patients who are nearing the end of life.Focusing on purely physical aspects of pain can o

Critical Illness, Prognosis, Hope & Truthfulness

Mar 11th, 2019 27m 13s

What is meant by the term "critical illness"? What are the possible outcomes for someone who is deemed to be in such a condition? How can we determine what the prognosis is in such circumstances?Dr Calvin Lightbody is joined by Professor Robin

Addressing the Death Taboo

Feb 26th, 2019 31m 55s

Why is it so difficult to talk openly about death and dying? There seems to be a "Death Taboo" in our society today. In this episode Dr Calvin Lightbody and Professor Robin Taylor, both hospital consultants in the NHS, discuss the taboo. They e

Rate