Dr Rachel Clarke - Inside the NHS in a time of pandemic

Hospice UK’s Web Editor Leila Hawkins talks to Dr Rachel Clarke about her new book  Breathtaking – Inside the NHS in a time of pandemic, about her experiences of working on the frontline during the first wave of the Covid-19 outbreak.  The palliative care doctor describes the unwavering dedication of NHS staff, the pain of being in the second wave of the virus, and her hopes for the future now there is a vaccine.  “We had no treatments, no vaccines, it was a completely new virus. We didn't know if our PPE was going to protect us. We didn't know if we were going to bring Coronavirus into our houses and infect the people we love. We were frightened, but we wanted to help patients in need. We wanted to be where the need was greatest.  “At the end of the day, I don't know what life is for if it isn't to try and help each other out when the need is there.”  

Om Podcasten

“Let’s talk about it.” Death and dying is one of those topics that’s just hard to talk about. We know that we will all have to face it one day, but we put that “difficult” conversation off until tomorrow. Or the day after… Well it doesn’t have to be that way. The people we talk to on this podcast are people who do talk about it. They’re people who have learnt through personal experience how important it is to talk about our wishes before it’s too late, and they have a lot to say. Whether you’ve been bereaved, have a family member who’s approaching the end of life, want to support a friend, or just want to know how to start the conversation for yourself, this podcast is for you. Dying Matters is a part of Hospice UK (https://www.hospiceuk.org/) , the national charity for hospice care. Registered in England and Wales No. 2751549. Charity registered in England and Wales No. 1014851, and in Scotland No. SC041112.