Getting people to talk about the subject of death and dying can be difficult, but a campaign aimed at encouraging people to be prepared and think about their dying wishes highlights the subject this month.

Dying Matters Week, which runs from 12-18 May, will see staff from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust out and about across the region providing information and advice.

The event is designed to raise awareness of death and dying and to encourage everybody to consider the wishes of themselves and their loved ones if death were to occur.

Layla Al-Ani, End of Life Care Lead Nurse for the Trust explained:  “As a healthcare organisation we believe that people need to have an understanding of issues relating to death and dying. This enables them and their loved ones to make informed choices that are reflective of their morals, beliefs and wishes. Throughout the week we will be holding events and displays locally to offer support and advice on end of life issues. We have worked very closely with local charities, advocacy and support groups, funeral directors, solicitors, local libraries and health and social care professionals to produce some really useful information. If people need advice or have any questions we will be on hand so we hope people will drop by our events to find out more.”

As part of Dying Matters Week the Trust’s specialist palliative care team have worked with St Leonard’s Hospice to create a DVD to explain what palliative care services are available locally to support patients and their families. On the DVD members of the team explain how care services work and it follows a carer’s experience of her husband dying.

People can see the DVD at special sessions at York Hospital which will include a short presentation from the palliative care team giving advice on advance care planning, where staff will be present to answer any questions. These will be held in the Neurosciences Seminar Room on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1pm – 3pm.

As well as an information stand in the foyer of York Hospital each day there will be a range of events across the city. These include:

• Haxby Health Centre information display on Monday afternoon 
• Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors drop-in session at their offices on Monday and Tuesday from 9am-12pm
• Bereavement services open department at York Hospital on Wednesday 9.30am - 4pm
• St Monica’s Hospital information stand on Tuesday afternoon
• Acomb library DVD, information and advice throughout Wednesday

For further information regarding the events please contact the End of Life Care Educators at York Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust on 01904 721106, York Carers Forum on 01904 422437 or Crombie and Wilkinson Solicitors on 01904 624185.

12 May 2014