Nurses hope to raise awareness of Dying Matters Week (From This Is Cheshire)

Nurses hope to raise awareness of Dying Matters Week

12:10pm Thursday 18th March 2010

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MAKING life more comfortable for a terminally ill patient’s final days sounds like a harrowing, if not impossible, task.

Fortunately, Warrington has selfless nurses on hand to do just this and two of them have shared their experiences with the Guardian.

Vikki Tyrrell, a Macmillan nurse, and Julie Bills, a community matron, both based at St Rocco’s Hospice, Bewsey, spoke of the importance of dignity in death during Dying Matters Awareness Week, from March 15 to 22.

Vikki, who currently administers care to about 30 people who have chosen to stay at home, said: “We provide end of life care during those final days. We aim to relieve distressing symptoms such as breathlessness and we can give counselling to the patient and their family. We offer comfort and dignity, which is of the utmost importance.

“People choosing to die at home used to be a taboo subject but we want people to be aware that this is an option and offers a more relaxed environment and that death is natural and a part of life.

“There are sad moments but you know that when you take this job on. It is very rewarding to be able to relieve suffering.”

Julie, who is one of three nurses caring for patients in the borough’s 16 nursing homes, added: “We aim to give patients high quality care by managing their symptoms and this is very satisfying. We want people to choose where they end their lives and if they choose a nursing home we can support them and the home’s staff.”

Dying Matters is a coalition of carers, faith groups, charities, health sectors and educational institutions brought together by the National Council for Palliative Care.

The aim is to raise awareness about death, dying and the choices on offer for end of life care through a programme of events, debates and campaigns.

A survey by the Dying Matters coalition showed nearly nine out of 10 people in the north west (88 per cent) had not written down anything letting loved ones know their preferences on crucial questions including whether they would prefer to be buried or cremated of if they wished to donate their organs.

Other findings revealed only a quarter of people have told anyone about their funeral arrangements and that 65 per cent of people had not written a will.

Advisers will be on hand to give free information and advice on support services, financial issues and end of life care at HMV at Golden Square Shopping Centre tomorrow, Friday, from 10am to 2pm.

The event is supported by Warrington Community Services Unit’s Macmillan nursing and district nursing teams, Warrington Carers’ Centre, Age Concern, John Holt Cancer Support Foundation, St Rocco’s Hospice, Warrington Borough Council Social Services, Knox Funeral Services, Norman Banner Solicitors and Action for Children.

Visit dyingmatters.org for further information.

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