News from our partners: One chance – conversations and information about death and dying
News from our partners Healthwatch Shropshire
It is often said that as a person nears end of life, whether they are in hospital or being supported at home, there is only one chance to get it right.
Healthwatch Shropshire will be bringing together local experts in the field of end of life care to highlight some of the work being done in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to support those dying and their families, and to discuss the measures everybody can take to make death and dying as good as it can be.
Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said:-
“We know how difficult these conversations can be, but we wanted to give the public the chance to find out how they might be supported, to ask questions about the services available and to hear about the practical and emotional steps we all need to take to be ready at the end of our lives.”
The event is being held on Tuesday 10 May 2022 at Shrewsbury Town FC’s stadium, Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ST. People can book online at www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/events or ring us on 01743 237884.
Alison Massey, who leads on Palliative and End of Life Care for Shropshire Telford and Wrekin NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, said:-
“Death and dying affects us all, but it’s still a subject that we often struggle to talk about with our loved ones and properly plan for.
“Over the past year we have worked together with people with experience of end of life care services and both Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Healthwatches to understand how we can grow a public conversation about death and dying. In the run up to this event we are also working with libraries across the county to offer information and support to people on planning future conversations.
“I really welcome this event and would encourage people to come along to find out what support is available, and what we can all do to prepare ourselves and our loved ones. This will be a safe space to ask your questions and hear from people who specialise in caring for people at the end of their life.”
Healthwatch Shropshire is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in Shropshire. It gathers the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s services. It also has statutory powers that it can use to influence service provision by encouraging improvements.
