News received
The Schindler Prize
Robert and Mary Schindler were the parents of the late Terri Schiavo. They fought a long legal battle in the USA because they believed passionately in the infinite value of her life. Coincidentally, their name stirs up memories of the film Schindler's List.
'First Do No Harm' is a medical group affiliated with Care Not Killing and they are offering an annual prize of £500 to honour the Schindler name. This will be awarded to a doctor or nurse who provides the best account in recognition of a colleague or a lay person, known to them, who has engaged in a battle to save a life that has been dismissed as valueless.
Such a patient could have been suffering from dangerous neglect, or denied food and fluids when unable to speak for him or herself. Narratives should not exceed 750 words. Enquiries or entries to: First Do No Harm, PO Box 17317, London SW3 4WJ
Medicine of the Person - annual conference
Paul Tournier lives on in that the British group he inspired is holding their 28th annual conference at Holland House near Pershore from 18-20 April, for those working or training within the health and allied professions.
The group, which includes a number of CMF members, seeks to interpret Paul Tournier's ideas and teaching in the light of modern medical practice. The aim is to promote whole person medicine that includes the spiritual dimension. This year's topic is 'relationships'. While the emphasis is strongly Christian, those of other faiths or none are welcome.
CPD certificates for 7 hours are available. Cost £125 fully inclusive; bursary help available. Details: Mrs Rosemary Booth. Email r.e.booth@btinternet.com. Tel. 01271 326306
hospice23 website
The relaunch of St Columba's Fellowship as hospice23, 'sustaining a Christian presence at the heart of palliative care' , was mentioned in the last CMF News. Their new website is up and running at www.hospice23.org.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine - should Christians be involved?
What are we to make of treatments like Acupuncture, Bach flower remedies, Craniosacral therapy, Homoeopathy, Reflexology, Reiki, Yoga? Building on 1995's Alternative Medicine - Helpful or Harmful?, consultant physician Robina Coker takes a completely fresh look at the phenomenon of complementary and alternative medicine.
While the popularity of CAM therapies challenges the excesses and omissions of orthodox medicine, we need to take a balanced view. From a Christian perspective this thought-provoking book explores the background to CAM, explains evaluation, examines the evidence, and so provides a framework from which to make healthy choices in healthcare.
The retail price is £8 each but Members are offered a special pre-publication price of £6 inclusive of post and packing. You received a flyer recently, but if it is not to hand see www.cmf.org.uk/bookstore or Tel. 020 7234 9677. To simplify sales, we now require payment with order please.
