Extract

How do doctors define death?

A single unifying definition for death is controversial. Currently there are two basic premises for death. The first is biological in that death is defined by irreversible breakdown in the functioning of the human organism as a whole. The second refers to neurological death, namely, that the person has lost the capacity for consciousness secondary to irreversible brain (or brainstem) injury. As a doctor these definitions encompass the majority of human deaths, but not all. Dr Holland from the University of York, outlines the philosophical and clinical conundrum in a seminal review in this issue of the Journal. He highlights the ethical and legal difficulties in attempting the nigh impossible—a single universal definition that covers all manners of death. As we all grow a little older, we welcome your views on the matter.

Safety of outpatient management of DVT—all may not be as it seems

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