Silent Authority

Today, I finalised the topic for my dissertation:

“To what extent does the legal status of ‘next of kin’ have authority in healthcare decisions, and how does this affect patient advocacy when the patient’s known wishes are ignored?”

This will be an 11,000-word piece, drawing on both primary and secondary sources. As always, I’ve chosen something close to my heart, personal, challenging, and deeply important having lived through this exact issue recently. 

To those who have supported me through what has been a difficult year: thank you sincerely. Your presence and kindness have meant more than I can express.

To others: if you’ve distanced yourself based on misinformation or simply disappeared when compassion was needed most, I hope you reflect on the importance of empathy and human connection. If my journey this year hasn’t crossed your mind, or you’re unsure what I’m referring to, feel free to unfollow, genuine connection matters more than numbers.

Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend. I know I’m heading into mine with clarity and purpose.