PM launches Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care

In his book "Courage", published in 2007, Gordon Brown MP, the Prime Minister, named Dame Cicely as one of his eight heroes, alongside other inspirational figures such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, her particular courage being that of a "visionary".  So it seemed entirely fitting that on 5 February 2008 it was he who officially launched the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care at a ceremony held at King's College London.   We were delighted that Gordon Brown agreed to participate in this landmark event where he was able to meet some of the people who will be working at the Institute and find out more about the research being carried out now and planned for the future.  

In his welcoming speech, Lord Douro, Chairman of Council at King's College London, thanked Cicely Saunders International for choosing King's as the partner for this new venture and declaring it a foundation for excellence and a world leader in the field of palliative care.

Remembering the true protagonist of this event, John McGrath, Chairman of Cicely Saunders International, explained that ‘The Institute was the realisation of Dame Cicely's heartfelt dream.  She was a huge inspiration and driving force to improve palliative care and make treatment more available to all those that would benefit.'

Gordon Brown thanked donors, staff and students for their hard work and praised all the contributors for such a true centre of excellence which he said; 'like Dame Cicely herself, was a real pioneer for palliative care in the world.'  It was of particular interest that he went on to say that in the coming months the Government will be doing more to support palliative care.   This is very exciting news.  And he acknowledged that an institute such as this would give the world the best practice in palliative care.  The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a photographic portrait of Dame Cicely which will hang in the Institute. You can see a short video of the event. 

Key donors to the Institute and Department of Palliative Care, members of Dame Cicely's family, staff who have been involved in the development of the Institute, and other friends of King's and Cicely Saunders International were there to witness a real boost for the future of palliative care.  We all look forward to meeting again in 2010 to celebrate the opening of the Institute.