AUDIO
Dame Cicely Saunders recognised the inadequacy of the care of the dying that was offered in hospitals. So often, patients and families were told that “there was nothing more that could be done” a statement that Dame Cicely refused to accept.
Throughout her time at St Christopher’s her watchword was “there is so much more to be done.” This was one of her main drivers for ensuring St Christopher’s was a centre for research as well as education and care.
In 1971 Dame Cicely invited Robert Twycross to join St Christopher’s as a research fellow to conduct studies into many aspects of pain control, including a comparison between morphine and diamorphine given orally. His subsequent work into the efficacy of the ‘Brompton Cocktail’, led to its quick demise and adoption of a more rational approach to cancer pain management. For this he was awarded the Oxford University higher degree of Doctor of Medicine.
Other pioneering research conducted at the hospice has included detailed studies of new approaches to symptom control and research remains a key focus of our work today.
RESOURCES
The items below will require an internet connection (WiFi, 3G or 4G)
LISTEN
As part of the St Christopher’s Oral History Project, hear from former St Christopher’s Medical Director, Nigel Sykes on Dr Robert Twycross
LISTEN
As part of the St Christopher’s Oral History Project, hear from former St Christopher’s Medical Director, Nigel Sykes on the Research Committee established by Dame Cicely Saunders