Dying matters: end-of-life conversations help ensure wishes are fulfilled

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to start conversations about dying, death and planning ahead as part of Dying Matters Week, which is running from 4–10th May 2026.

This year’s theme, “Let’s talk about dying and death”, aims to break down the stigma around these conversations and support people to express what matters to them, including their wishes for future care.

While talking about death can feel difficult, having open conversations early can bring reassurance for individuals and loved ones, help ensure care reflects personal values, and help ensure people’s wishes are known and respected, while also helping health and care services respond more effectively when it matters most.

Sally Convery, Nurse Consultant for Palliative Care at the PHA, said: “Dying Matters Week is about making space for conversations many of us naturally avoid.

“Talking about dying and death doesn’t hasten it, but it can make a real difference to how people live, how they are cared for, and how supported their families feel after death.

“Too often, people end up in hospital or care settings that are not their preference because their wishes, including practical issues such as their preferred place of care, were not discussed in advance.

“Planning ahead can help people receive the palliative and end‑of‑life care they want — whether at home, in a hospice or another setting — supporting dignity and choice while reducing unnecessary hospital stays and delays in discharge.

“We encourage people of all ages to talk with loved ones about what matters most to them, record their wishes for future care, consider financial arrangements, and identify someone they trust to speak on their behalf if needed.

“Having plans in place can make a meaningful difference for individuals and those who support them.”

Conversations about death are often delayed until a crisis occurs. At that point, decisions may need to be made quickly and without a clear understanding. 

Some simple steps that you can take to make your end-of-life experience better, both for yourself and for your loved ones, are:

• Get your financial affairs in order, including making a will and checking with your employer and previous employers about pension arrangements.
• Share your funeral wishes with your loved ones.
• Plan your future care and support.
• Talk through your wishes with your loved ones so they know your thoughts on them.

By planning ahead, people are more likely to receive care in line with their preferences, avoid unwanted or unnecessary interventions, and experience greater dignity and comfort towards the end of life.

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, whose role is to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of older people, has also reinforced the importance of planning ahead, particularly for those in later life. 

Siobhan Casey, said: “Dying Matters Week is hugely important because it allows us all to have honest conversations about death and dying.

“Nobody likes to talk about death, be that their own, or that of a loved one, however. it helps your loved ones plan ahead, taking the pressure off making critical decisions during moments of difficulty or crisis.

“I support Dying Matters Week, because it’s an opportunity to make these difficult conversations a little easier and create a safe space where we can be open with our friends and family about something that we will all eventually have to face.”

Practical information and resources to support conversations about dying, death and bereavement are available at:

www.pha.site/DyingMattersResources.

A short explainer video is also available to help people better understand advanced care planning is available here:
https://vimeo.com/760303591