Hospital trust supports Dying Matters Week

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 well as an information stand at Scarborough Hospital on Tuesday 13 May there will be an open evening at St Catherine's Hospice between 7pm and 9pm. On Wednesday and Thursday between 10am -3pm there will be an information stand at Vernon Road Library and an open afternoon at Scarborough Crematorium from 1pm on Wednesday.

For further information on events in Scarborough please contact the End of Life Care Educator at Scarborough Hospital on 01723 7712446.

06 May 2014