Perspectives

It is always necessary to look at different perspectives when it comes to a poem like “Geriatric Ward” by Phoebe Hesketh, as you can better understand the author’s message and its connection with similar works.

Current issues

The poem “Geriatric Ward” was published in 1960, but it depicts an important issue nowadays: the concept of euthanasia. When patients are severely injured or extremely ill, they sometimes cannot make decisions for themselves, so it is up to their families to decide which treatment should be applied. The families of the patients have the right to sign an order which involves the patient not being resuscitated or intubated when the time comes. Although they have to obey the wishes of the patient’s relatives, it can sometimes be very difficult for doctors to act accordingly.

The issue of non-voluntary euthanasia is highly debated even nowadays. The ones who agree with non-voluntary euthanasia believe that it is the best solution...