Stephen Wright

Out of the ashes: Stephen Wright says horrific events can bring out the best in people

September 11 2001 has been hailed as the day that changed the world. In a series of articles I wrote last year for Nursing Standard I offered evidence that a cultural shift, in the western world at least, is under way. People are turning away from materialistic lifestyles towards global, personal and spiritual wellbeing and concerns. Ground zero may have accelerated this, prompting people to ask themselves: If I were facing death, could I say that I have done everything I wanted? ( Arlidge et al 2001 ). No one ever died wishing they had spent more time at the office.

It depends on: Growing old does not have to be a negative experience, it can present new out

Despite an ageing population we live in a culture full of fear about becoming older. Old age is seen as an almost entirely negative phenomenon with decline on all fronts. In a brilliant speech at a recent conference, Rosalie Hudson (2002) joined those pushing back the boundaries of the way we think about ageing. After all, the way we think about ageing is just that, thoughts, and thoughts have no power of their own except that which we choose to give them.

The Moral State We’re In: A Manifesto for a 21st Century SocietyThe Moral State We’re In: A Manifesto for a 21st Century Society

In this impressive book, Rabbi Julia Neuberger draws on a broad sweep of knowledge, experience and published material to map out the current state of British society.

The values of commerce do not apply to our health service

What stunning irony that in the same week that Nursing Standard starts a major series on nursing values, it reports the first big speech by our new chief nurse where she urges us to learn from supermarkets.

Dark thoughts: Embrace the darker side of your personality and you will become a better carer, says Stephen Wright

I get lots of love and light. They arrive at the end of email, tagged on to postcards from abroad, slipped into Christmas greetings. I appreciate what friends and loved ones are trying to say. They wish me wellness and happiness, a life full of joy, contentment and bliss.

One minute wisdom: Steve Wright explains how the freedom-of-choice movement could save nurses from violence and racial harassment

Freedom of choice has been the dominant political message of the decade - and one of the most seductive. It has percolated through UK health care, notably in the NHS changes and the Patients Charter.