THE impact of the Covid pandemic and subsequent sudden loss of life was horrifying.

Gowned-up medical staff risking their own lives did everything to conserve the lives of their stricken patients.

Their exceptional sacrifice was driven by their ancient, 400BC Hippocratic Oath: "I shall never intentionally cause harm to my patients and will have the utmost respect for human life. I will practise medicine with integrity, humility, honesty and compassion."

It transpires that governing bodies made decisions that resulted in inconsistencies in care. Older people were moved from hospitals to care homes, a deliberate decision to mitigate pressure on hospitals. In some cases, the elderly and disabled were even encouraged to agree to ‘do not resuscitate’ instructions.

If you have faced illness in your family, you will understand the endless worry and medical decisions you are faced with. Hospices and nursing homes are exceptional in making the experience bearable. Unbelievably, hospices and end-of-life services are often funded by charitable enterprises.

If the current Assisted Dying Bill becomes law, a terminally ill person will have the option to legally end life sooner. The advantages are significant: release from a debilitating illness, avoidance of hospitalisation or excessive medical intervention, end of worry for family and friends, reduced pressure on the health service.

Patients suffering devastating illnesses may opt for an early death if not assured of competent palliative care. Young people overwhelmed with mental health issues may see dying as their only option.

Given the state of our health services, the pressures we face with an ageing population and increases in debilitating diseases, the cost of a 'long death' may become a factor in the decisions society will need to consider.

Persons with power of attorney may be swayed to advise a scheduled death to save distress and money. Those persons with no next of kin will be entirely dependent on the state.

The ‘National Health Service’ as we know it will have a sell by date.

And what of the pressure on our medical profession? They may need to rewrite their oath.