Local NHS trust encourages people to talk openly about death

People across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are being encouraged to talk more openly about death.

As the nation’s taking part in a campaign to break the taboo subject of dying – the team at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation trust are touring the area to provide support and information.

This year's campaign #InAGoodPlace aims to open up conversations around death and dying, how and where we die, and what care and support we have in place.

Julieann Woollas, End of Life Lead Nurse (Acute) said: “It is so important to talk to your friends, relatives and loved ones about your and their wishes for end of life care and Dying Matters Awareness Week is a great way to get the conversation started.

“Talking about dying won’t make it happen. It’s one of the only things we all have in common, regardless of age, gender, race, or religion: we will all die someday. But it’s often something we don’t want to talk about.”

There are five steps which the trust says can help to make end of life a better experience both for patients, as well as their family and loved ones. The five steps are:

• Write a will

• Record your wishes for your funeral

• Plan your future care and support

• Consider registering as an organ donor

• Tell your loved ones your wishes.

Claire Hebden, End of Life Lead Nurse (Community) said: “It may sound morbid but talking about dying makes it more likely that you will die as you might have wished and it will make it easier for your loved ones if they know your wishes have been met.”