Broaching the ‘D’ word – Wards Solicitors support special event for NHS staff
Staff in the NHS are uniquely placed to talk to people facing serious health issues about the importance of planning ahead which is why Wards Solicitors is so pleased to support a new initiative in Keynsham as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2018.
Dying Matters is a coalition of 32,000 members across England and Wales who aim to encourage people to talk more openly about death, dying, bereavement and the importance of making end of life plans, something more than 80 per cent of the British population admit they are uncomfortable with.
Peace of mind
NHS staff who work locally are being invited to drop into Keynsham Health Centre to find out how they can support patients in this including encouraging people to put into effect a financial, legal and practical framework that will not only bring them peace of mind but their loved ones too, and who to talk to about these matters.
Lawyers from Wards Solicitors' Keynsham office Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team have provided specific information for doctors, nurses and other staff about issues of direct relevance to patients covering:
- Making or revising a Will;
- Setting up a Lasting power of Attorney;
- Ways for patients to set out future medical care preferences using an advance statement or advance decision.
Difficult but important discussions
Partner Ruth Coles, Wards Solicitors' Keynsham office manager and part of the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team, said: "These are important but often very difficult and delicate issues to talk about so we are delighted to contribute to an event which is trying to help NHS staff open up the channels of communication.
"We have prepared a special fact sheet for them and will provide Will information packs and other literature. We will, of course, also be sending some cakes!"
The focus of this year's national Dying Matters Awareness Week is on opening up conversations across all aspects of the community and runs from May 14 to 20.
If you want to talk to someone about making a Will, setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, an advance statement or decision please contact Wards Solicitors' Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team or pop into on our 11 local offices.