NURSING staff are holding special events at two hospitals to encourage discussions about dying.

Staff from Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital's Palliative Care Team are hosting information stands providing advice and support to patients and families.

It's part of a national campaign Dying Matters urging people to talk about death and people's wishes and preferences before they pass away. They're urging members of the public as well as their colleagues to write down 'Five things to do before I die' and share them on their wishes board.

Palliative Care Specialist Sarah Davie said: "We are encouraging the importance of talking about death, and wishes and preferences. It’s vitally important that these are discussed with family and friends; otherwise it can cause a lot of distress.

"We are supporting the national message of ‘Are We Ready?’, and by openly discussing our wishes, we can make sure they are fulfilled. We encourage everyone to talk to their relatives and friends, both during and after this week."

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of talking about what people want for those who have a life-limiting diagnosis and the importance of discussing end of life care and bereavement with family and friends. For more information www.dyingmatters.org