The experiences of illness and loss

Previously in this book you have read about clients’ and patients’ rights and the vulnerable

patient. It was suggested that vulnerability could be either a phase in a person’s life, or

always present. In this chapter, on illness and loss, we will expand on the notion that vul-

nerability is a phase in a person’s life (in particular related to illness) and their role as a

patient within a health care setting or as they are dying.