Date of birth: 22/06/1918

Date of death: 14/07/2005

Wikipedia

BIOGRAPHY

Saunders began studying politics, philosophy, and economics in 1938, but trained as a nurse during World War II. Her career took a pivotal turn when she befriended a terminally ill patient, David Tasma, in 1948, who inspired her to improve care for the dying. Saunders returned to school, earning a medical degree in 1957. She believed in addressing not just the physical pain of terminally ill patients, but also their emotional and spiritual suffering, coining the term "total pain." In 1967, she founded St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, the first facility dedicated to palliative care, which became a model for hospices worldwide. Her holistic approach combined medical treatment with compassionate care, setting new standards in end-of-life care.

As a prolific writer and speaker, Saunders received numerous honours, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1980. Her work significantly advanced the hospice movement and palliative care, impacting countless lives and shaping healthcare practices globally. Dame Cicely Saunders passed away in, 2005, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and innovation in medical care.