AN unusual project that aims to improve the care offered to patients and bereaved relatives, has been launched by a North-East hospital trust.

A team at the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking the views of members of the public - including patients nearing the end of their lives, and their relatives - on terminal care and experiences of bereavement.

Hospital officials want to hear the views of patients suffering from chronic illnesses, who will have the chance to shape services.

They also want to hear from relatives who believe things could be done differently.

Marion Dilley, who is leading the project for the County Durham trust, said: "The subject of death is still very difficult for staff to deal with and discuss openly with patients and their relatives, which can lead to their needs not being met.

"The main focus within a hospital such as ours is to make people better - so when a patient dies, their relatives can often be unprepared.

"Sometimes, this is because it can be difficult to recognise or accept that someone is approaching the end of their life.

"In recent years, there have been significant improvements in the field of palliative care for patients diagnosed with cancer.

"We want to learn from this work to ensure the needs of all patients are met."

Changes will be focused around the needs of patients and their families.

The trust is working with Cruse, a voluntary agency for the bereaved.

It will also place great emphasis on patient involvement with their care, with new systems to record "advanced directives or living wills" so that no treatment is given against these wishes.

Members of the public who wish to be involved are asked to contact Linda Storey on 0191-333 2202.