Thank you Plantagenet,

I don't feel, I can add very much more at this stage, but look forward to intelligent discussion with you on other threads.

I think the dying need to be made as comfortable as possible, making use of palliative care, that life should not be kept going by artificial means, though I would allow for feeding tubes which is simple technology first used late 18th century. One problem which you allude to relatives reconciling themselves to the death of a loved one.

I do think (and I am a Christian minister) having a lively faith helps the dying person and his/her family approach death tremendously vis a vis those without faith. I have observed this time and time again. I can only speak for those of Christian faith, I have no data for other faiths. Texts like I quoted earlier, even if "quotes from an old book", coupled with a lively, heart felt faith in Christ help greatly - I can only say what my experience is. I am sure loss of faith, dread of death, the desire to prolong life beyond its "normal" course adds enormously to the cost of health care.

Cheers for now and thank you for a calm response to my earlier contribution.

And again well said Tanveer, even if most can't take your take.

Thankyou David

I agree that faith just before the end (and even long before) is a very positive thing.

Regarding my comments about "quoting an old book" I obviousy went off half cocked.

Several people on this blog seem to wear the Bible, Koran, and who knows, Marx, on their sleeve in place of debate and analysis.

This is clearly not you, given your position, faith and actual contact with the dying.

And so I apologise.

All the best.

Plantagenet.