Her father was a comic on the British stage. He had been miserable at home in his final illness. St. Joseph's got rid of his pain, kept him in caring surroundings, and soon he was wise-cracking again. The difference that makes either succeed is the loving skill of hospice personnel in ending pain, counseling loved ones, and arranging for an orderly closing of personal affairs . This can be a terrible wrench, but one for the better.
Many physicians are reluctant to push it.
Perhaps they see it as a defeat for their aggressive treatment efforts. I'm sorry you aren't likely to see the above great public service ad anywhere but in this column. But do keep it in mind. Both have been at their kindly work for some 20 years and draw overwhelming praise for their efforts. St. Francis has in-patient facilities in Nuuanu Valley and at its hospital's West Oahu annex.