An interesting little memoir by Don Snuggs who has had a varied career in medicine. As a child during the Second World War, the author spent some time in and around hospitals, the war features briefly in Part One, with the author giving an insight into his future calling. Part Two concentrates on the third part of the authors life when he leaves the RAF in 1977 and gradually turns to using alternative medicine. The reasoning behind the decisions made, can be felt clearly, the author is succinct, yet his empathy and consideration for his patients shines like a beacon. I felt as though I was reading a fascinating social history, and found ‘An Ever Rolling Stream’ to be a compelling and enjoyable read. ~ Liz Robinson
An Ever Rolling Stream From the Conventional to the Unconventional in Life (and Medicine) Synopsis
Don Snuggs had a very normal childhood. Born in 1932, and a child of the war, he matured into an imaginative, unconventional professional practitioner of alternative medicine. After surviving the trauma of war, many found themselves the subject of prejudice and discouragement, but with his determination to succeed, Don went on to make his mark on the world. As a child, Don spent some of his childhood in hopsital, which ultimately led to his interest in medicine and the nursing profession. An Ever Rolling Stream details his life, from his wartime childhood to his life as a nurse. Don shares his memories of being in charge of a cancer ward in the Uxbridge RAF hospital and how it taught him the effects that disease and ill health can have on a person. This led Don eventually to pursue an interest in Chinese medicine with its different approach to the sick person and his predicament. Most of his stories talk not about cure, but about care, as Don shares his time spent comforting and caring for distressed patients, as well as the support and friendship he shared with his bemused colleagues. An Ever Rolling Stream is a touching memoir that allows the reader to share some of Don Snuggs most personal memories of his time spent living in a war-torn Britain and caring for those most affected by their afflictions. This book will appeal to readers with an interest in the Second World War, as well as those with an interest in traditional and alternative medicine.
Don Snuggs is a retired ex-nurse tutor and acupuncture practitioner. He worked for the RAF, the NHS and in a private practice for most of his life and now spends the majority of his time caring for his wife.
