PATIENTS at Bury Hospice have been encouraged to discuss issues facing them at the end of their lives as part of a national campaign.

The sixth annual Dying Matter Awareness Week aimed to get people talking openly about topics that are considered difficult and uncomfortable.

Hospice staff, in conjunction with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, held events with patients last Wednesday (May 20) to provide a safe, supportive environment for discussing topics such as wills, funerals, and bucket lists.

Eloise Burke, the hospice’s head of clinical services, said: “We are not very comfortable talking about death and dying in this country.

“It’s important that we reassure people that talking about death doesn't bring death closer. The focus should be on planning for life.

“Without the right communication and understanding, death and terminal illness can be a lonely, stressful and sometimes frightening experience, both for the person who is dying and for their friends and family.”

Research from Dying Matters has shown that only 35 per cent of people say they have written a will, while just 27 per cent have talked about their funeral wishes and seven per cent about their care preferences should they be unable to make decisions for themselves.

Also, 32 per cent of people are registered as organ donors, while only 31 per cent have taken out life insurance.

Bury Hospice and Pennine Care organised a number of drop-in sessions, where health staff were on hand to give people information about advance care planning.

Eloise added: “At the hospice we want to encourage people to have these conversations and begin to plan to have their wishes fulfilled.

“That is why this year we held an event within our Day Services and invited people to join us and encourage them to make these plans in a relaxed, professional and supportive environment.

“The afternoon was well attended and patients and carers all expressed that they found it helpful.”

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