THE people of the Isle of Man were asked to think about what they wanted to happen to them when they die in June.
The Department of Health launched an End of Life Care questionnaire to find out what the public's views were on the end of life care available in the Isle of Man.
People were asked to answer questions on where they would like to die, who they want around them, and what information they want to receive as they near the end of their life.
The information, as well as information from the health service, social services and third sector, was needed to help develop the Island's first End of Life Care Strategy which will be published in 2012.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "The questionnaire helps to inform us what we should be doing in relation to people's wishes when they come towards the end of their life.
"It's really quite a taboo subject but it's the one thing that is guaranteed – we are all going to die at some stage. We need to think about that and think about our families as well and what they know about our wishes."
The End of Life Care Project is facilitated by Kirstie Turner whose position is being funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.
She said: "It's a very important strategy as it does affect all of us. I have a background of palliative care and have seen many people die.
"To have a good death is actually very satisfying for families. That then has repercussions on bereavement. Although bereavement is a very tough thing maybe people will feel more satisfied if care has been given where the person wanted it and how they wanted it.
"It's almost reducing the vicious circle of people thinking that is the way death occurs all the time. Certainly a good death can be achieved for a lot of people."
5,000 questionnaires were printed and the questionnaire was also online so that as many people as possible could fill it in.
Kirstie continued: "The information gained will actually form the End of Life Care Strategy – which is a major part of my job and why I need to know what people's thoughts are. There are no right or wrong answers – it is just ideas.
"There is a separate section for carers and a separate section for bereaved carers who have been through the process and might have some really good ideas about things that could be improved.
"It is believed that being prepared reduces the anxiety that surrounds bereavement, towards the end, for the family and the knock on effect that it could have for them."
Update: The End of Life questionnaire ran from June to August. Around 800 responses were received. For more on this story click here.
This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.
