I went to a funeral recently and I was surprised by what the Buddhist Nun was telling the gathering. She talked about the departed having asked her to come and see them. The nun said she had been reluctant to do so as she didn’t feel comfortable seeing old people. I was taken aback as most of the funeral attendants were well past retirement age. I thought the nun had revealed too much of her personal views rather than the professional views for which people sought her out. When one of her temple followers needed her, she had made herself unavailable. I was not impressed by her dereliction of duty.

Everyone is entitled to their personal views and ideas. When they come to see you in a professional setting they are there for your best professional self, and not the personal self which might have different ideas and values. Patients and their families hope to be listened to, to be understood, and have individualised/bespoke care provided. How would you like it to be for you if the tables were turned? What kind of care would you want?