No doctor wants to have this conversation with a patient. For everyone’s sake, we must | Ranjana Srivastava

The Guardian Health Monday 29 June 2026, 15:00 UTC By Ranjana Srivastava 1 min read

Key Points

Holistic care for incurably ill people has to include discussions about death and dying – but getting there is hardIt could be her usual generosity or disquiet, subtly disguised, but she leads by asking about “the kids”. The question from a patient who has known me for years is a reminder that goodwill in medicine goes both ways. I scroll to a photo of my daughter, flanked by her brothers.

Holistic care for incurably ill people has to include discussions about death and dying – but getting there is hard

It could be her usual generosity or disquiet, subtly disguised, but she leads by asking about “the kids”. Mine, not hers.

The question from a patient who has known me for years is a reminder that goodwill in medicine goes both ways. I scroll to a photo of my daughter, flanked by her brothers.

Ranjana Srivastava Holistic (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian Health Read original →

Royal Family engagements halved since 2012 over plans to slim down monarchy With the number of working royals decreasing in recent years, the number of official engagements undertaken on behalf of the Firm has drastically decreased The number of royal engagements undertaken each year has taken a drastic decrease in recent years, as the Firm ushered in the notion of a slimmed-down monarchy. Official records have revealed that working members of the royal household carried out 2,273 duties...

Daily Mirror 32m ago

WHO Europe chief calls on governments to treat extreme heat as a ‘health crisis’

With temperatures soaring across Europe, WHO Europe chief Hans Kluge has called on governments to recognise extreme heat as a health crisis and strengthen health system preparedness. The heatwave, which has claimed thousands of lives across Europe, has exposed the need for health systems to better prepare for extreme temperatures. As temperatures topped 40°C in parts of the continent, emergency calls increased, hospitals treated more patients with heat-related illnesses, and older adults and...

Euronews 52m ago

Man airlifted to hospital after trying to open beer on Wales beach

Man airlifted to hospital after trying to open beer on Wales beach A volunteer crew member for RNLI Aberdyfi said it was an 'uncommon call out' after the man suffered a deep wound while trying to open a beer on the beach in Wales A man was airlifted to hospital with a serious bleed to his arm after cutting himself while trying to open a beer. The incident took place at a beach in the Aberdyfi area on Saturday afternoon where the man slipped while using a knife to open a beer.

Daily Mirror 1h ago