Dr Gilda Davis

Place of death is considered to be a key indicator in evaluating the quality of end-of-life care and is a factor in a good death. Whilst there are differences in opinion about what defines a good death, core elements include being free from pain, in control of symptoms and in an environment that is aligned with the wishes of the dying person and their family. Although most expected child deaths occur in hospitals, there is an assumption in clinical practice that home is the preferred place. For some families, home is the place of choice, however, whilst home is familiar and loved, it can also feel unsafe if there is no medical or nursing support that can be easily accessed. Hospices aim to provide a home-like environment, combining comfort and safety; whereas for some families, the hospital ward is familiar and safe, the staff are known, and the routines provide security.

The findings of this study show that where death has not happened in the place of choice, the reasons can be complex and include staff anxiety about transferring a child; parents not believing that their child was dying as they (the child) had presented like this before and had recovered; parental concerns about clinical support in the home and how easily support services could access the house, if they were required. A significant finding is that the importance of the place of death can move to the place where the family are last able to spend time with their child after they have died.”

Gilda studied as a part-time student whilst working full-time at the University. Despite several job changes and the competing demands of staff-student life, Gilda cites the ‘small academic wins’ as motivation to prioritise doctoral study, winning prizes for posters, recognition for contributions to conferences and exhibitions, and publishing her first journal article.