People encouraged to talk about end of life wishes

Local health commissioners are encouraging people to talk about their care and wishes at the end of their lives during Dying Matters week (8 -14 May).

In keeping with the theme of the eighth national awareness week, ‘what can you do?’ NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are encouraging residents in the borough to start conversations with their friends, families and carers to think about their end of life plan.

Dr Lindsay McClelland, a GP and end of life care lead at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Talking and planning ahead for dying, death and bereavement is so important and we’re aware that people need practical help and support with this.

“During this week and all year round we encourage people to talk about death with family and friends and to think about what they want when their time comes. It might be a long way off but it is always good to have a plan written down somewhere or given to a family member for when it is needed. It is also good to think about putting a will together and to think about who you would pass those heirlooms to and any investments.”

Dr Debbie Harvey, Macmillan end of life care lead at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “It’s so important to let your loved ones and those involved in your care know what you might want at the end of life. We plan for every other significant event in our lives and encourage everyone to think about end of life plans in the same way.”

Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton offers a free will service and advice on planning your own funeral. For more information please visit www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk or call 01704 542 993.

Macmillan cancer support also issued a report recently titled: no regrets, how talking openly about death could help people die well.

Dying Matters was set up by the National Council for Palliative Care, the umbrella charity for all those involved in palliative care, to support the 2008 End of Life Care Strategy. Its aim is to raise public awareness about the importance of talking more openly about dying, death and bereavement and of making your wishes known.

For more information visit: www.dyingmatters.org/AwarenessWeek