Dame Cicely Saunders OM in interview with Dr Max Blythe

The leader of the modern hospice movement in the UK, Dame Cicely Saunders OM FRCP, discusses the birth and evolution of a care concept and the phases in its translation into the innovative St Christopher's Hospice in 1967. From an outline review of family and educational background, the first section of the interview leads to discussion of early career interests in nursing and medical social work, and the religious and clinical experiences and relationships that established a commitment to improving the care of the terminally ill. How belated but essential medical training was then negotiated is reviewed, followed by outlines of the first stages in the planning and financing of St Christopher's and the ideas that were set in practice there. After this, discussion focuses on the subsequent evolution of the hospice, how ideals and practicalities have influenced the character of its caring, also developments in medicine that have advanced effectiveness