Little Stars – A Dinosaur’s Tail

Guest Blog by Simon Waring

A Dinosaur’s Tail: Marmaduke at the Royal Children’s…

A dinosaur’s tail seems a frivolous detail to remember about my four-year old son’s Palliative Care, and yet it epitomizes the gentle approach of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Propped up in bed with little movement, it slowly dawned on Marmaduke that the green tail in his hand was attached to his nurse. Knowing his dinosaur obsession, she had worn it to his bedside, and the smile that lit up his tired face spoke volumes.

Drugs remove pain, but not the dislocation, stress and fear that terminally sick children can feel. That is slowly dispersed through the warmth of a smile or gesture; perhaps a sticker; or yes, even a tail.

Palliative Care provided comfort to Marmaduke, and yet in some countries, hospitals can’t even access the basic drugs to remove the pain.

Now surely there is a tale that requires a new ending.

Please consider supporting the work of Palliative Care Australia www.palliativecare.org.au