Barnsley service raise awareness of Dying Matters week

To raise awareness of Dying Matters week, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s end of life care team in Barnsley is encouraging people to talk openly and honestly about death, dying and bereavement.

Dying Matters week will run from 13 – 19 May and this year’s theme is ‘be ready for it’. The week aims to encourage people to take small actions to be ready such as planning future care, signing up as an organ donor and telling loved ones your wishes.

To support people who are experiencing dying or bereavement, the Trust’s end of life care team in Barnsley plan, develop and co-ordinate systems to ensure that service providers recognise and deliver high quality end of life care. The service is developed in line with evidence based practice and ensures support is easily accessible to patients and carers.

Janet Owen, clinical lead for the end of life care team said, “It’s really important to talk openly about dying and bereavement as it can help ensure that we get the care and support we want at the end of our lives. A lack of conversation is often the most important reason why peoples’ wishes go ignored or unfulfilled.

“Dying Matters week is an opportunity to raise awareness about end of life issues and ask people to consider their attitudes towards death and bereavement. It’s also a good way to highlight where people can go to for support if they need it.”

To find out more about the awareness week or the work of Dying Matters visit www.dyingmatters.org.