As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, locals are to be given an opportunity to speak to experts at Heartlands Hospital about death, dying and planning for the future over a friendly cup of tea and cake.

Staff from the palliative, elderly and chaplaincy teams will be on hand to offer advice and raise awareness about making plans for the future. Representatives from Macmillan Information Service, John Taylor Hospice, Marie Curie Hospice Painters, Co-op Funeral Homes and Kingfisher Nursing Home will also be present to support events throughout the week which will be held in the Main Reception foyer from 8am – 4pm between 09 – 13 May.

Visitors will have the opportunity to write on the ‘Before I die I want to….’ wall, and have a chat over a cuppa and cake in the ‘Little More Conversation Café’ area.

Helen Seymour, matron for elderly care at Heartlands Hospital, said: “Death and dying is still seen as a taboo subject. Giving people the opportunity to talk is really important. Making plans for our future and communicating our wishes can help towards us achieving the care and support we want, where we want it, at the end of our lives.

“Many of us are unprepared for this life event or need support to help make arrangements for end of life for either ourselves or our loved ones. Our events at Heartlands Hospital have been organised to offer those in our community who would like the opportunity to discuss death and dying.

“Local people and professionals are welcome to come and speak with our team, and pick up leaflets and useful information about how to plan for the future, and start conversations.”

For more information about the events, please call 0121 424 3770 or email ann.penson@heartofengland.nhs.uk/helen.seymour@heartofengland.nhs.uk.