Dying is an inevitability we will all face.

It is a topic most of us shy away from discussing, but talking about it can make all the difference to the person reaching the end of their life and those around them.

Next week (9-15 May) is Dying Matters Awareness Week and NHS East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging people to talk about their wishes for their end of life care.

Gina Palumbo, Local GP and East Riding of Yorkshire CCG Chair said: “Talking about dying can be difficult but it’s important to let your family, friends and doctor know what is important to you.

“Letting loved ones know where you would like to be cared for, whether you would want to be resuscitated and whether you want to be buried or cremated helps towards ensuring your wishes are carried out.”

The NHS provides support for people at the end of their life in a variety of ways, whether it’s from a palliative care team in the community, pain management at home, in a hospital or hospice.

As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week NHS East Riding of Yorkshire CCG and Humber NHS Foundation Trust have organised a series of events throughout the East Riding aimed at raising awareness of the help and support available for patients to ensure their end of life wishes are followed.

Gina added: “We want patients and their families to feel safe in the knowledge that the health and social care professionals in East Riding of Yorkshire are working together to deliver a high-quality of care for all patients nearing the end of their life.

“We want to encourage patients and carers to discuss their wishes with a trusted health professional such as your doctor, practice nurse or community nurse, so that we can support you by sharing relevant information. We want to work with you and your family to prepare for those last few weeks, days or minutes. It is so important to get this right early - as those last memories matter.”

Lindsay Turton, MacMillan Nurse Consultant at Humber NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Discussing what you want to happen when you die can be difficult for many people, however, it’s the best way of ensuring that your wishes are followed. We want to help and encourage people to have those conversations and provide reassurance about the care and support that is available.”

Throughout Dying Matters week a number of events will be held:

• Anlaby Surgery and Library, Haltemprice Leisure Centre, 9 May 2016, 2pm – 5pm
• Goole Health Centre, 10 May 2016, 11am – 1pm
• Tesco, Mill Lane, Beverley, 11 May 2016, 11am – 1pm
• Withernsea Community Hospital, 12 May 2016, 10am – 1pm

Note to Editors
Dying Matters is a national coalition which aims to change public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement. It has produced a leaflet called You Only Die Once which lists five things everyone should do.

1. Live well and die well. Make your wishes known today.
2. Write your will. It is the only way you can be sure your wishes are carried out correctly - and it avoids leaving your family to make difficult legal decisions.
3. Record your funeral wishes. Have the funeral you want.
4. Plan your care and support before you get ill. Talk to your family, healthcare workers and GP. After a sudden stroke you may not be able to talk.
5. Tell your loved ones your wishes. Talking about dying often isn’t easy but you should share your plans and, if you have written them down, let your family know where they are kept.

For more information on Dying Matters see www.dyingmatters.org or call 0800 021 4466.