The Irish Hospice Foundation will hold its biennial ‘Forum on End of Life’ which will reveal interesting findings of last years Have Your Say survey.
Thousands of people across Ireland shared their personal thoughts on dying, death and bereavement.
The main findings show people fear dying in pain and want dignity, comfort and care at end of life. People worry most about their family and bereavement support.
Angela Edghill, Advocacy and Public Engagement Manager, Irish Hospice Foundation: “You and I get only one chance to die and 2,500 people had their say last year on what makes a good death.
“By sharing their thoughts they are helping us create an Irish charter on death, dying and bereavement.
“We believe in quality end-of-life care, supporting each person to live as well as possible to the end and enabling those left behind to grieve well.
“We are looking forward to revealing all survey findings on October 10th at our Forum.
“Conversations around death are never easy but people are more than willing to share their views when asked. They only need to be encouraged.
“This is the aim of Forum 2017 ‘Your Life, Your Death, Your Say – allowing the conversation to continue about dying, death and bereavement in Ireland’.
“Our last Forum was fully booked attracting 350 people from all walks of life. This year the inspirational Justice Catherine McGuinness will speak about human rights at end of life.
“RTE Broadcaster David McCullagh will chair a panel discussion on pain, grief and dignity. Panellists include Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, and Dr. Tony Foley.
“Keynote speaker is Professor Jenny Kitzinger from Cardiff University who co-directs the ‘Coma and Disorders of Consciousness Research Centre’ and she will examine the challenges around how decisions are made when the patient has lost the ability to make choices for themselves.”
Forum 2017 includes several workshops such as ‘Children Grieve Too’, ‘Supporting Staff through Loss and Bereavement’ and ‘Planning for your Future: What Should we Ask Ourselves?’
Attendees will hear people’s views on a range of issues such as challenges facing health professionals when discussing pain, treatment decisions, death, grief, dignity and caring for people at end of life.
The event takes place in Dublin Castle on Tuesday 10th October from 9am – 4pm and all are welcome.
Early registration is advised. Tickets are €60 including lunch and refreshments with €30 Concession tickets (limited availability for students, non-working and senior citizens).
Online registration is at hospicefoundation.ie or call 01 679 3188.
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