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Dame Cicely Saunders, OM, DBE, FRCP, FRCN, regarded as the founder of the modern
hospice movement and a pioneer in the field of palliative care, died peacefully
on July 14, 2005, at St. Christopher’s Hospice in London. She was 87.
The recipient of numerous awards and honors, she was made a Dame of the British
Empire in 1980. In 1987, she was appointed to the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth
II of the United Kingdom. Limited to only 24 persons, this order is the highest
honor the monarch can bestow.
Dame Cicely dedicated her life and professional work to alleviating the pain
and suffering of the dying and founded St. Christopher’s Hospice which
opened its doors in 1967. She created a model of care that transformed the care
of the dying and inspired hospice and palliative care clinicians in the UK and
throughout the world. During her professional life, she would combine the skills
and perspectives of three professions. Working as a nurse during World War II,
she later became a social worker and went to medical school to become a physician.
As a physician, Dame Cicely felt she could make the greatest impact on improving
the culture of care for people at the end of life. She emphasized the importance
of listening to the patient and valuing each life.
“You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we
can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.”
-- Dame Cicely Saunders
Tribute on St. Christopher's website: http://www.stchristophers.org.uk
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