The following correspondence relates to death, dying, bereavement and grief. We understand that this may present difficult reading or act as a trigger for some. Therefore we would like to give you the option not to read further if you feel this the content may be upsetting.
Death, dying and bereavement have, unfortunately, been brought to the forefront of the public mind since the onset of COVID-19. We lack a full understanding of how the pandemic and measures like social distancing have impacted on the way people are dying in Northern Ireland and the support their loved ones need.
The Patient and Client Council, in conjunction with Marie Curie, engaged with members of the public who have experienced grief and bereavement during the pandemic to understand the grief experiences and support needs of people who have been bereaved either due to COVID-19 or another cause of death.
It is hoped that your views will help to identify ways to improve end of life care during the pandemic and the support that is available for people who are bereaved. The evidence collated through our engagement will begin to fill that critical evidence gap and help shape the future design and delivery of support services for people bereaved in Northern Ireland.
The final report is now available to read in full: