Why you need to talk about death

People are being urged to come forward to help improve the support that is provided to people who are in the last months or years of their life, known as end of life care.

NHS South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) would like to hear about the experiences of patients and their families, friends, and carers to make sure that the best possible care and support are on hand when we need them most.

Dr Jon Tose, GP clinical director for end-of-life care in South Tyneside, said: “Dying is something that we all have to face, but sadly not every death is as comfortable and dignified as it could be. For example, we know that two out of three people nationally say they would rather die at home than in hospital, but in South Tyneside 58% of people die in hospital compared to 47% nationally.

“This is something we want to change, which is why it is important for us to hear people’s views on what we can do to help.

“Any positive changes the CCG introduces can make a real difference for patients.”

The CCG wants to make services more accessible to patients and ensure that they work together seamlessly to support the needs of the person and their family, friends and carers.

Dr Tose continued: “We are committed to improving services in South Tyneside with the aim of supporting residents to experience not just a good death but a good life to the very end.”

If you have had, or are currently having, experience with these services in South Tyneside and would like to share your opinions contact Helen Ruffell at [email protected] or on 283 1903.