AT the August meeting of Crediton U3A (University of the Third Age) the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, gave a talk on the subject of health, including historical, medical, political, social and spiritual aspects.

She discussed the challenges to health professionals and patients and asked whether we are “seen” - as a person - not just an illness.

Posing the question of whether nurses can be compassionate - in an increasingly technological world - and facing the demands to audit and record - rather than sit and spend time with the patient, she suggested we need to learn about being compassionate from the way we witness life around us.

She acknowledged that there would be people in the audience who could have suffered from a lack of care at some point in their lives but that we were incredibly lucky to have an NHS which is still (*nearly) free at the point of delivery...(*i.e. not dentists or opticians).

There were many questions about the lack of funding in the NHS and imminent closures of hospitals.

Bishop Sarah suggested that it was possible that the swiftness of technological advances in medicine - and the saving of lives which hitherto had not been possible - may be one reason why governments had failed to see the current crisis in health and care provision.

She urged us all to make our voices heard if there was something we felt needed to be addressed, to use the channels provided and to engage in making joint decisions to find solutions - not just protest.

Her talk was very thought provoking and raised many questions - it was very inspiring and enjoyed by all.

Crediton and District U3A celebrate one year of operation on Wednesday, October 19 and the meeting will have a celebratory theme.

Angela White will give a talk about Chinese Festivals. The meeting takes place at the Boniface Centre from 10am to 12 noon.

Jane

A member of

Crediton U3A