Renowned author and palliative care physician Dr Kathryn Mannix to hold presentation and Q&A at RD&E

Renowned author and palliative care physician Dr Kathryn Mannix to hold presentation and Q&A at RD&E as part of ‘Dying Matters’ week.

Death, Dying and Wisdom in an Age of Denial; that’s the strapline for the hugely acclaimed book, With the End in Mind, by Kathryn Mannix. Monday 14th May will see her hold two Q&As following presentations linked to her book and her own experiences with end-of-life care. Linked to the RD&E’s involvement in the Dying Matters Week, these two events will provide a unique perspective on the only certainty in life we all face.

Dr. Kathryn Mannix is a physician specialising in palliative care, and a cognitive behaviour therapist (CBT) that has spent her career working with people who have incurable, advanced illnesses. She ran palliative care services in community, hospice, and large hospital settings before stepping away from the NHS to focus her efforts on writing. You can find out more at http://withtheendinmind.co.uk/

These two separate sessions will follow the same structure, with the content repeated, and are open to both RD&E staff and the public. Held in the PMS lecture theatre housed in the RILD building, the first runs from 1-2pm while the second is from 3-4pm. Entry is free and a light lunch will be provided at the earlier gathering from 12:30pm. Booking is vital to ensure your space.

The book, from which the presentation takes its cues, comes in the form of a number of powerful stories from Kathryn’s clinical practice and combines them with her own professional journey. The aim is to send a message to the living and answer some of the most pressing, intimate and fascinating questions about the end-of-life process with honesty and humility.

On welcoming Kathryn to the RD&E, Dr Liz Toy, Consultant Lead for End of Life, commented, “Dying Matters week is an opportunity to explore the mystery that sometimes surrounds the dying process.

"I am delighted that Kathryn is able to share her vast experience of accompanying people and their loved ones as they approach the end of their lives. An excellent teacher and raconteur, she focusses on the very human aspects of our lives. She will encourage all of us to consider who and what is really important so when illness or frailty occurs we are able to live well to the end.”

Places are strictly limited and booking is essential. To find out more and reserve your place visit the RD&E Members Website www.rdemembers.com. For inquiries contact the RD&E Engagement Team on rde-tr.engagement@nhs.net or 01392 403977.