Views are being sought on a Strategy for Health and Social Care Bereavement Services, which is designed to support individuals and families who have been bereaved and those that support them.
The minister said: “I would ask everyone to examine these proposals in detail and use the consultation questionnaire to make your views known and to influence how bereavement services are provided into the future.”
“Death and bereavement, at some time, affect everyone, with approximately 14,000-15,000 people dying in Northern Ireland every year.”
“It is estimated that for every death, at least four relatives and friends experience the loss, with over 56,000 people in Northern Ireland being affected by bereavement in any one year.”
He added: “A number of public strategies have been developed to address different types of death and while bereavement care is often referred to in these strategies, there has not been an integrated approach to such care within the delivery of health and social care (HSC) services. As a result, the physical, psychological, social, financial and spiritual needs of people who are dying may not always be met, and their families may not receive sufficient information and support.
“This strategy is deliberately designed to address such concerns and to provide the maximum level of support at such a difficult time.”
Notes to Editors:
- Death and bereavement, at some time, affect everyone, with approximately 14,000-15,000 people dying in Northern Ireland every year. The majority of these deaths (73%) occur in hospitals, hospices and nursing homes, and over 1,600 (11%) undergo a hospital or Coroners’ post mortem examination.
- This strategy seeks to promote a set of overarching standards for Health and Social Care (HSC) and suggests criteria for action by HSC Trusts, relevant to all aspects of bereavement care and staff coming into contact with bereaved people.
- A copy of the Strategy for HSC Bereavement Services in Northern Ireland can be accessed on the department’s website at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/showconsultations?txtid=33196.
Copies can also be obtained by contacting: secondary.care@dhsspsni.gov.uk
Secondary Care Directorate Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Room 1, Annexe 1 Castle buildings Stormont Belfast BT4 3SQ Tel: 028 9052 0545 Fax: 028 9052 3302
