VISITORS and staff at Airedale Hospital are being encouraged to talk about their end-of-life wishes.

Specialist palliative care nurses are offering advice on discussing the sensitive issue with close friends, family and professionals who provide support.

The initiative is being staged to coincide with Dying Matters Week, which begins on Monday (May 18).

An information stand in the top corridor of the Steeton hospital, above the foundation trust's main reception, will be staffed daily throughout the week between noon and 2pm.

People are being urged to consider issues ranging from planning future care to writing a will and recording funeral wishes.

Sarah Davie, a specialist palliative care nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, has been involved in training sessions aimed at helping staff feel comfortable talking to patients nearing the end of their lives.

"It makes it so much easier for relatives if their loved ones can discuss openly and honestly what is important to them when they are dying," she said.

"End-of-life care is a priority for our trust. We really do have one chance to get it right."

As part of Dying Matters Week, a new document is being launched to help patients, their families and professionals make informed choices.

It has been produced in consultation with professionals and patient representative groups across Airedale and Bradford.

Helen Livingstone, palliative care consultant at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This document helps people think about the types of decisions it may be useful to talk to family and professionals about."

Copies will be available at Dying Matters Week events.