SUBMISSIONS for the end of life survey carried out by the Department of Health have to be in by Monday (August 15).

The department said the response from the public has been excellent, with 800 responses received over the past seven weeks.

However it is calling for more people to fill in the questionnaire which is available from GP surgeries, the Sea Terminal, public libraries, commissioners' offices and pharmacies and online at www.eol.im

Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "Each individual's view is important as the development of the Island's End of Life Care Strategy is something we're all entitled to have a say in. 

"So I would again encourage all members of the public to spare a few moments and complete a survey either online or by filling in a hard copy. 

“I'd also like to express my thanks to those who have already taken the time to complete a survey.

"The response has been tremendous and the breadth and depth of the submissions will help us shape our approach to end of life care in a way the people of the Isle of Man want."

The questionnaire results will be analysed over the coming months with a view to publishing a strategy during 2012. 

End of Life Care project facilitator Kirstie Turner said: "The volume of responses is extremely encouraging.

"We now have a vast amount of data to sift through which will directly shape the End of Life Care Strategy we will develop.

"Death and end of life care can often be viewed as taboo subjects, but it's so important that we get this area of care right.

"I would encourage everyone to let us have their views – death is something that affects all of us; the more feedback, ideas and opinions we have, the more we can measure public feeling and people's wishes and desires.

"This in turn ensures we can develop a strategy that has been directly influenced by the local community.

"Anyone with any queries or who wants a questionnaire is more than welcome to contact me on 642625 or kirstie.turner@gov.im"