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

The Guardian UK 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 UK Read original →

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