Remembering Lucy Watts MBE

In loving memory of Lucy Watts MBE

We are immensely saddened to learn of Lucy’s death on Wednesday morning. Lucy was an award-winning patient advocate, disability activist, consultant and public speaker. She was a hugely well respected palliative care advocate and a thought leader within this field.

Lucy was one of the most enthusiastic and passionate people who I have ever met, worked with and alongside. She was both a friend and colleague who will be missed dearly.

About Lucy

Lucy was a someone who got things done and the importance of her work is valued by all those who are aware of it. Lucy’s ongoing work and tireless campaigning leaves both a positive and meaningful legacy.

Lucy worked and innovated across an array of different fields. She provided a voice to those whose voice was muffled and campaigned both passionately and gracefully for the worthy causes she believed in.

A few years ago, there was a backlash against the media and those who would call high achieving people living with disabilities and life-limiting illnesses “inspiring”. I would like to take the time to apologise to Lucy because despite her being one of the people who didn’t like this term, she was inspiring. She inspired me and many others in both her life and work.

“I have a life-limiting condition, meaning I have had to do my end of life planning and put things in place for when the time comes, including my advanced care plan, my funeral wishes and lasting power of attorney (LPA). Naturally, my ‘social media will’ is a part of that end of life planning.” 

– Lucy Watts MBE

Lucy's work within digital legacy and digital assets

Once again, I cannot start to sum up the depth and importance of the work Lucy undertook over the years. The rest of this post will highlight a fraction of her work within the field of making plans for our lives digitally and areas relating to safeguarding our digital legacy.

I first met Lucy when working with Together for Short Lives in 2014. This project involved streaming the pantomime ‘Cinderella’ to 12 of children’s hospices at Christmas. After a number of discussions it was clear that Lucy was very interested in utilising technology for future care planning and for philanthropic reasons.

This shared interest led to friendship and collaboration on various projects over the last 9 years.

Documenting wishes within a 'Social Media Will' and informing people about it

Lucy made plans for her digital assets and her online accounts. This is clear today with posts being shared from her personal accounts informing her friends, family and wider society of her death. She spoke openly about her wishes and used her documentation process to help inform and empower others across TV, online and print media.

Insights were shared on the BBC’s ‘Rest in Pixels’ programme, Joan Bakewell’s ‘We need to talk about death’ on BBC Radio 4 and in a news post titled ‘My Social Media Will‘.

Joining MyWishes

Lucy joined the MyWishes team in 2020 as the ‘head of lived experience’. Her role was to “help MyWishes to better understand the end user, improve the user’s experience and help improve the support provided for all users. I will also help ensure that lived experience becomes a core part of MyWishes. We will develop the platform in a co-produced way enriched by the experiences of people who use this service – including those with disabilities, life-limiting illnesses, additional needs and people who are carers, as well as the wider public.” – Lucy Watts MBE

Lucy’s leadership and insights were vital in development of MyWishes. She also spearheaded the development of the ‘postural care passport‘ tool built at the request of Samantha Chadwick who was working for NHS Wales as a children and young people physiotherapist.

“On our gravestone it’s not the data or birth or date of death that matters but the ‘dash’ in between”. – Lucy Watts MBE

A lasting impact

Lucy brought energy, innovation, leadership and value to the world of palliative care, for those with life-limiting illnesses and the wider health eco-system within the UK and beyond. Lucy’s death is a loss for all who knew her and for those who did not.

I would encourage you to learn more about Lucy’s work and lasting legacy by visiting:

www.Lucy-Watts.co.uk

Lucy Watts BME

James Norris

Founder of MyWishes. Trying to make a positive change through the use of technology and innovation

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


james norris

Upcoming events this summer

Summer talks and conferences

We will be participating in a number of congresses, conferences and events over the summer. Some of those now confirmed can be viewed below.

If you would like us to participate in your event, please do get in touch

Oxford Centre for Education & Research in Palliative Care

The Oxford Centre for Education & Research in Palliative Care (OxCERPC) will be hosting a study day focusing on ”Contemporary Issues Surrounding Death & Grieving’. Our training will focus on ‘Contemporary Issue of Death & Grief in the Digital Age and What do Health and Social Care Professionals need to be aware in relation to digital legacy’.

28th April (Virtual). More information can be found here

 

Logo - Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust – Study Day

12th May 2023, Cornwall. Further details to be announced soon.

 

ACP-i 2023: 8th International Conference on Advance Care Planning

The ACP-i Conference, spearheaded by the ACP-i Society, is held once every two years to bring together an international fraternity of ACP experts to share best practices on ACP. The ACP-i 2023 Conference in Singapore is the first international ACP conference to be hosted in Asia.

24th-27th May 2023, Singapore (virtual). Further details can be found here

European Association of Palliative Care World Congress, Rotterdam

We will be speaking and presenting a poster at EAPC 2023. The conference is the largest palliative care congress and conference in Europe.

15th-17th June 2023 in the De Doelen, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Further details can be found here

Digital Legacy Conference 2023

We will be speaking at and helping to organise the 7th Digital Legacy Conference. This year’s conference will take place during EAPC and free to attend for all EAPC badge holders. The call for speakers is now open. Confirmed speakers include Dr Ros Taylor MBE and Professor Mark Taubert.

Further details can be found here

Nationella konferensen i palliativ vård

We will be delivering two talks including a international keynote at the Swedish, ‘National Conference on Palliative Care Conference’. It is the largest palliative care conference in Sweden and is organised by the Swedish ‘Institute for Palliative Care’.

2nd-4th October, Malmo Sweden. Further details can be found here

Rennie Grove Hospice – annual conference

Wednesday 18th October – Further details to be announced soon

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


The Digital Legacy Conference 2023

The Digital Legacy Conference 2023

The Digital Legacy Conference will return as a face to face event this year and will be delivered during the 18th European Association of Palliative Care World Congress (EAPC2023). The Digital Legacy Conference is a not for profit event.

MyWishes will be helping to organise this year’s conference. We are providing also providing support as the ‘venue sponsor’.

mindfulness

About the Digital Legacy Conference

Digital Legacy Conference 2023 (DLC2023) attendees will learn about emerging best practices in areas relating to digital assets planning and digital legacy safeguarding. The event will cater for 148 people and is free to attend for all EAPC badgeholders. 

The conference will take place on Saturday 17th June in the Van Cappellen Zaal room. Doors will open at 8:30am, the conference will start at 9am and conclude at 12pm.

Why this conference is important

Modern day, communication technologies are changing the world. The way in which we live, the ways in which we plan for death and remember our loved one’s is increasingly moving into the digital realm. Health, social care and palliative care professionals need to adapt practice, policies and procedures to better support society with this ever-increasingly important area.

What to expect

The Digital Legacy Conference examines society’s attitudes and behaviours in relation to technology, end of life planning, death and bereavement. The conference’s goal is to empower palliative and end of life professionals to better understand this emerging space and adapt ways of working to embrace it.

Who is the Digital Legacy Conference for?

The Digital Legacy Conference is for those involved in care planning, social care, healthcare, palliative, hospice and bereavement professionals. It is also relevant for policy makers, technologists and academics working within this sector.

Call for abstracts / speakers

The call for abstracts has now opened. You can submit an abstract for consideration by clicking here. The closing date for abstracts is the 20th April.

Invited speakers

The following invited speakers will be sharing insights and experiences at this year’s Digital Legacy Conference.  

  • Dr Ros Taylor MBE (Medical Director at Michael Sobell Hospice)
  • Amarachukwu Callistus Nwosu (Senior Clinical Lecturer in Palliative Care at Lancaster Medical School & Research Lead (Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool)  
  • Sarah Stanley (Research nurse at Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool)
  • Professor Mark Taubert (Clinical Director at Velindre University NHS Trust in Wales & Founder of TalkCPR)
  • James Norris (Founder of MyWishes & The Digital Legacy Association)

Who organises the Digital Legacy Conference?

  • The Digital Legacy Conference is organised by The Digital Legacy Association. The Digital Legacy Association is a global organisation dedicated to raising standards and developing best practices in areas relating to digital assets planning and digital legacy safeguarding. Previous Digital Legacy Conferences have taken place at UCL Partners (London), Siena College (New York), EAPC (Berlin), St Joseph’s Hospice (London) and online from Michael Sobell Hospice (London) for EAPC in 2021.
  • This year’s Digital Legacy Conference is being delivered during the 18th European Association of Palliative Care World Congress. Under the theme “Equity and Diversity in Palliative Care”, EAPC2023 will draw attention to the utmost need and goal of creating equity of fair access, opportunity, and advancement in palliative care for all people in need of this care.

Location

This year’s EAPC and Digital Legacy Conference will take place at De Doelen in Rotterdam. The Digital Legacy Conference will take place on Saturday 17th June in the Van Cappellen Zaal. Doors will open at 8:30am, the conference will start at 9am and conclude at 12pm (Location details).

Visit the Digital Legacy Conference website

Self-empowerment

The best way to ensure that your unique, end of life wishes are adhered to, is to document, share and discuss them. MyWishes is a ‘tech for good’ service and everything is free to use.

To learn how it works click here.

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


DNACPR software

CPR and DNACPR section live for all users in England, Scotland and Wales

What is CPR and DNACPR

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a treatment that can be given when you stop breathing (respiratory arrest) or your heart stops beating (cardiac arrest).

DNACPR stands for do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation. DNACPR is sometimes called DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation) or DNR (do not resuscitate) but they all refer to the same thing. DNACPR means if your heart or breathing stops your healthcare team will not try to restart it.

Talking about CPR and DNACPR

Depending on the healthcare setting and your health, a General Practitioner, hospital doctor or senior nurse may offer to discuss your thoughts on CPR. There is also a more general desire to talk more openly about people’s wishes on where they want to die and their wishes around the last weeks or months of their lives. You might want to learn about this area before starting a conversation about it with a medical, health or social care professional.

*The information used in MyWishes CPR / DNACPR section was kindly provided by TalkCPR

CPR & DNACPR section on MyWishes

MyWishes now includes CPR and DNACPR information to help educate and empower the general public. This section falls within the Advance Care Planning feature. To learn more register for a free account or login to your account.

Once logged in, visit the Advance Care Plan section and navigate to the relevant section. If you do plan to have a conversation with a healthcare professional about your own CPR and DNACPR wishes we recommend first completing an advance care plan. Once completed, it can be emailed or printed and provided to your GP or anyone involved with your care.

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Self-empowerment

The best way to ensure that your unique, end of life wishes are adhered to, is to document and discuss them. You are welcome to use MyWishes to assist.

We are a ‘tech for good’ service and everything is free to use.  To learn how it works click here.

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


NDOR virtual candles

National Day of Reflection - Virtual Candles

We are supporting the National Day of Reflection 2023

The National Day of Reflection will be taking place on the 23rd March for the third consecutive year. Its focus is to unite people who are grieving and allocate a day to remember family, friends, neighbours and colleagues we’ve lost. MyWishes are proud to be an organisation supporting the day and this awareness campaign.

Virtual Candles

We have designed and developed a number of virtual candles. These can be downloaded, streamed and used for free. Our virtual candles are a safe alternative to traditional candles and have been created in different sizes and formats (videos and animated GIFs). The virtual candles were used across on the country and displayed on TV screens, laptops, mobile phones, tablet devices both in 2021 and 2022. They have also displayed in a number of hospices and clinical settings.

Scan the QR Code

If you scan the QR code on the image opposite, a virtual candle will instantly start flickering on the device you are using.

How to use a virtual candle

We recommend thinking about which device you will use to display the candle. We also recommend thinking about the reason for using the virtual candle. These might include remembering a loved one, sharing on social media with an accompanying message or displaying in your home.

If you would like to watch a candle flicker for a one minute reflection, we recommend streaming or downloading a virtual candle in a video format.

If you would like to have a virtual candle flicker continuously on a TV, mobile phone, tablet or on your website, we recommend streaming or downloading a virtual candle in an animated GIF format.

Stream a virtual candle (video)

Click on your favourite virtual candle below. Once opened it will flicker for exactly one minute. The virtual candle videos mirrors the one minute silence being held at 12pm on the 23rd March.

Download a virtual candle (video format)

You can download a candle to the device you are using. To view the virtual candle videos and download your favourite, click on the download button below

To download virtual candles (videos) onto the device you are using click here

Virtual Candle Animated GIFs (for mobile devices and tablets)

We have designed and developed virtual candles and provided them as animated GIFs. Unlike the video virtual candle, these candles will not stop flickering after one minute. These candles will continue to flicker when displayed. The website links (URLs ) shown below each candle can be copied, pasted and used on websites, blogs and social media profiles. If you click on any of the website links shown below, the virtual candle will instantly be displayed in full screen on your mobile device, computer or tablet you are using (these three candles have been optimised for mobile devices)

Virtual candle

Virtual candle

Virtual Candle

Animated Gifs versions of the virtual candles can be downloaded and streamed by clicking on the button below. Different sizes (aspect ratios) are also available available for different devices.

To download virtual candles (animated GIFs) onto the device you are using click here

Use the virtual candle videos however you want

You might want to display a virtual candle flickering for one minute whilst stood on your doorstep at 8pm on the 23rd March. Alternatively, you might want to position a tablet (iPad, Galaxy Tab, Kindle etc) on a window-ledge and let the animated GIF virtual candle flicker throughout the day .

Virtual candles can also be shared on your favourite social networks by inserting the relevant link into them or uploading the downloaded file.

Displaying a virtual candle on a Wall of Reflection

A Wall of Reflection is a place to share thoughts about loved ones who have died. Walls of Reflection can be created in the home or in a public space. They can be place where people talk with others about loved ones and share memories.

Photos, images, paintings, writings and poems can be attached to a wall. You might also want to display a virtual candle onto a Wall of Reflection. This can be achieved by placing a tablet or mobile phone that displays the candle onto a shelf or by fixing its case to the wall.

Inserting a virtual candle onto a website or blog

Each website and blog is different. The accompanying image highlights a simple way how Wordpress website owners and publishers can insert a virtual candle into a page or post without downloading or embedding it.

Once logged in, simply copy the URL of the virtual candle you would like to use and paste it in the ‘Add media’ section. The candle will flicker automatically and will not require the viewer to press a play button.

To download virtual candles (animated GIFs) onto the device you are using click here

MyWishes

MyWishes is the UK’s leading end of life planning software. Our service is free to use and our community document and share their wishes with their loved ones and anyone likely to provide them with care now or at some stage in the future.

“MyWishes will continue to work hard, support society when documenting their wishes and improve understandings around death and bereavement. We are proud to support the National Day of Reflection and understand the importance of this day for the country” – James Norris, MyWishes.

 

Marie Curie warns that without the right support for people who have been bereaved, the devastation that the pandemic has caused will impact the lives of people for generations.  “We need to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances. We cannot simply stand by and not recognise the effects the pandemic has had on the bereaved. We know people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened. The National Day of Reflection on 23 March gives us a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that has died, as well as show our support to family, friends and colleagues who are bereaved during these challenging times – from Covid and other causes.” – Matthew Reed, Marie Curie 

 

Marie Curie, MyWishes, a number of politicians and other supporting organisations are calling on the nation to take a minute to reflect at 12 noon on the National Day of Reflection. To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. If you use social networks, content can be shared on them with the #DayofReflection hashtag.

Scan me

If you use a smart phone (iPhone, Android etc) or a tablet (iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Kindle etc) scan the QR code below with your device. Once scanned a flickering, virtual candle will instantly appear. *Your device will need to have a QR code scanner built into it’s camera for this to work

Virtual candle

MyWishes

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platforms empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes
Michael Sobell Hospice, Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

  • Register and document your wishes for free here
  • To learn how MyWishes works click here

Sharing is caring…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MyWishes (@mywishesapp)


Contemporary Issues Surrounding Death and Grieving

OxCERPC & Sobell House - Training Day

The training day will focus upon issues surrounding death, dying and grieving in the contemporary setting. Considering different demographic groups, we will look at impacts upon children, upon adolescents and young adults, the impact of digital presence, and social impacts of death & grief. Suitable for: all healthcare and social care professionals eg bereavement counsellors and team members, palliative care professionals, Chaplains/spiritual and pastoral care workers, social workers, art and music therapists, psychologists, GPs, paramedics.

Reserve a ticket
Speakers

James Norris – Founder : MyWishes & Digital Legacy Association

James Norris is the founder of the Digital Legacy Association and MyWishes. James researches and develops end of life technologies, apps and websites. He organises the annual Digital Legacy Conference and publishes regular tutorials helping to empower both professionals and the general public. James runs educational workshops, has consulted various governments and provides thought leadership in digital death, bereavement, technology and the internet.

Dr Jo Wilson BSc (Hons), RGN, DipHSM, BA (Hons), PhD.

Jo is a registered nurse (adult) and team leader of family and bereavement support at Helen and Douglas House (children’s hospice). She is a facilitator of advanced communication skills training and a qualified coach. Prior to her appointment to this role she was Nurse Consultant at the Royal Free Hospitals London NHS Foundation Trust and led three palliative care teams (two hospital teams, and one community), led advance care planning across the trust, and additionally set up and clinically supervised a bereavement service supporting families during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Her PhD focused on how senior health care professionals recognise dying and negotiate decision-making with patients and their families. She has co-led writing national guidance on care after death and Registered Nurse Verification of Expected Adult Death.

Dr Emily Harrop MBBS BSc DCH FRCPCH PhD Dip Pal Med

Emily has been a Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Care at Helen & Douglas House Hospices since 2010, and the Medical Director since 2019. She is also an Honorary Consultant at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. She is active in research in the field of pain & symptom management and mentors postgraduate research students in the field of palliative medicine. Emily undertook her specialist palliative care training at Great Ormond Street Hospital (including a post graduate diploma in Palliative Medicine); before this she completed a PhD in Neuroscience (Infant Pain) as well as some postgraduate training in Paediatric Clinical Pharmacology. Her other roles include Research Lead of the Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine (APPM) and joint Chair of the Thames Valley Paediatric Palliative Care Network (TVPCN). Emily has acted as the Co-chair of the WHO Guidelines on the management of chronic pain in children (2020) and the Deputy Chair of the NICE Clinical Guideline Development Group for End-of-Life care in Babies, Children & Young People (NG61). She is currently co-Clinical Lead for CYP Palliative and End of Life Care in NHS South East England.

Emma Jordan – Youth and Transition Worker – Helen & Douglas House Hospice

Emma is a fully qualified and experienced Youth Worker. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing the provision of youth and transition support at Helen and Douglas House and has worked for the organisation caring for young people since 2006. She has been the Youth and Transition Worker for approximately five years.
Emma has worked in various settings throughout her career supporting young people from all backgrounds: residential schools, medical units, residential trips, sailing adventures, youth groups, hospices, and youth clubs.
Emma’s experience and wealth of knowledge gained from working with children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, has informed the nature of the support provided to the young people in her current role. Her other responsibilities include advocating for the young people she supports, being a qualified Young Person Mental Health first aider and being an ‘all-round wellbeing guru’!

Emma is passionate about normalising disability and enabling young people to see beyond societal barriers to achieve the best they can. Her dissertation focused on one important aspect of this: Sexuality and Disability, which is an overlooked area of need. Many young people who have discussed their own experiences over the years voiced that there is still an overwhelming negative societal attitude towards this, and that it needs to be addressed and normalised. Emma has raised the profile of this topic at Helen and Douglas House and has provided training, updated Sexuality Policies, and implemented Care Plans to highlight the importance of this subject.

Rosa Mowles-Van der Gaag – Sibling Team Leader – Helen & Douglas House Hospice

Rosa has been one of the Sibling Team leaders at Helen and Douglas House Children’s hospice since 2017 and works with groups and with children and young people on a one-to-one basis. She has extensive experience of supporting children and families who have experienced the loss of a sibling or have a terminally ill child. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches she helps them navigate the complex emotions and challenges that arise in the aftermath of a sibling’s death, new diagnosis or life changing event. She focuses on rebuilding family relationships following loss and works with children to process their grief and find generative ways to cope. She has undertaken Media work in her field. Rosa runs experiential seminars to develop staff competencies in working imaginatively with distressed families and children. Rosa has an MA in Educational Psychology and wrote her dissertation on the evaluation of patient services. She also has a Diploma in Family Therapy. Previously she worked on an inpatient CAHMs unit at the Warneford hospital experiencing a range of mental health problems including eating disorders and has extensive experience of working with young people.

Elizabeth Rapa – Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher, Dept Psychiatry, University of Oxford
Louise Dalton – Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dept Psychiatry, University of Oxford

Others TBC

Course programme

  • Death & Grief in the Digital Age

  • Childrens’ approached to death & dying

  • Grief issues affecting young adults

  • Cultural Differences in approached to death & grieving

Course Aims

  • Consider contemporary issues in death and grief in more detail

  • Appreciate how different factors affect different generations

  • Deepen understanding of the diverse issues faced by people approaching death/experiencing grief

  • Analyse ways in which health & social care professionals can help those to whom they offer care

Reserve a ticket

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


Advance Care Planning – Three tools for planning ahead

Taking place online on the 28th February 2023 (10:00 – 11:30 GMT)

This event is specifically for Newham charities and organisations who support the general public with care planning activities.

For the past year Newham has been doing some targeted work to raise awareness of advance care planning in the borough. Residents have consistently shared their worries about their end-of-life wishes, particularly about their faith, not being known about. If we are serious about respecting what matters to people and helping them make informed decisions, then advance care planning and the conversations it opens up are really important.

This event will provide an opportunity to hear more about what residents are telling us and to collaboratively develop practical solutions on advance care planning that can be integrated in your day to day practice.

This session will cover:

  • Advance care planning what it is and what it’s not
  • Service user’s experiences
  • Identification and communication tips for having conversations
  • Your role in promoting and supporting residents with advance care planning

This webinar will increase your confidence in:

  • Understanding advance statements, advance decisions to refuse treatment, and lasting power of attorney in practice
  • Understanding advance care planning from Newham residents perspective
  • Facilitating conversations with residents around advance care planning
  • Your role in informing and supporting residents

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


LGBT+ History Month - End of Life inequalities

What is LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month celebrates LGBT+ people in all their diversity, raises awareness and combats prejudice with education.

LGBT+ History Month theme

LGBT+ History Month 2023’s theme celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens.

This includes directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.

MyWishes - Pride 2022

LGBT+ Inequality in end of life care

In this article we have decided to explore the historical and current inequalities experienced by members of the LGBT+ community at the end of their lives. This can due to a lack of understanding, education and access to information specific to the needs and concerns of LGBT+ individuals.

We have collected and collated snippets of data from three different reports to highlight some of the inequalities experienced within the UK. 

The Marie Curie 'Hiding Who I Am' report

In 2016, Marie Curie outlined a number of challenges and concerns held by LGBT+ individuals when engaging with end of life services in the ‘Hiding Who I Am’ report. The report identified six key areas that can lead to LGBT+ inequalities.

1. Anticipating discrimination
2. Complexities of religion and LGBT+ end of life care
3. Assumptions about identity and family structure
4. Varied support networks
5. Unsupported grief and bereavement
6. Increased pressure on LGBT+ carers

Hiding Who I am Report - LGBT+ inequalities within end of life and end of life care

1. Anticipating discrimination

People access palliative care services late or not at all, either because they anticipate stigma or discrimination or they think the service is not for them. Stonewall reports that three in five older gay people are not confident that social care and support services will be able to understand and meet their needs.

2. Complexities of religion and LGBT+ end of life care

Anecdotal evidence suggests that palliative and end of life care services may not always ensure LGBT+ patients and their families have the same spiritual needs addressed at the end of life as any other patient.

3. Assumptions about identity and family structure

Health and social care staff often make assumptions about people’s sexuality or gender identity that have an impact on their experience of palliative and end of life care. Evidence suggests that some clinicians do discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

4. Varied support networks:

LGBT+ people at the end of life may choose to be surrounded by close friends and support groups which represent constructed support networks alongside biological ones. LGBT+ people can also feel concerned that their loved ones will not be respected and recognised as next of kin.

5. Unsupported grief and bereavement:

Partners feel isolated or unsupported during bereavement because of their sexuality.

6. Increased pressure on LGBT+ carers:

There is increased pressure on informal carers, because people are accessing palliative and end of life care services late or not at all. LGBT+ people may also experience barriers to palliative care because they are:

– three times more likely to be single

– less likely to have children

– far more likely to be estranged from their birth families (though many LGBT+ people will have alternative family structures in place)

-significantly more likely to experience damaging mental health problems

These factors are likely to lower the chances of stable, ongoing informal care for some LGBT+ people. Informal care, particularly from a partner, plays a vital role in ensuring someone gets access to palliative care. However, further research is needed on how being single influences access to health and social care services at the end of life, and on how adaptable hospice and palliative care services are to alternative friend and family structures.

Accessing healthcare services - The National LGBT Survey

In 2017 the UK government launched the National LGBT+ Survey, the largest of its kind, engaging with over 100,000 recipients. The survey aimed to gather information about the lived experience of LGBT+ people within the United Kingdom. The data below highlights inequalities from those identifying as Transgender.

38% encountered a negative experience because of their gender identity

21% had specific needs were ignored when accessing or trying to access healthcare services

18% said they were subject to inappropriate curiosity

18% avoided treatment for fear of discrimination

Attitudes of health and social care professionals

Data published by the LGBT+ rights organisation ‘Stonewall’ (2015) highlighted negative attitudes of health and social care professionals towards members of the LGBT+ community. Some of the findings from the report are shown below

58% of health and social care practitioners didn’t consider sexual orientation relevant to a persons health needs

24% of patient-facing staff heard colleagues making negative remarks towards lesbian, gay and bisexual people

20% had heard disparaging remarks about trans people

10% had witnessed a colleague claim someone could be cured of their sexual orientation

Conclusion

Health, social care and palliative care services need to improve the support and service provision provided to the LGBT+ community. Improvements have taken place over recent years however ongoing work, training, review and education needs to take place.

Learn more

Self-empowerment

The best way to ensure that your unique, end of life wishes are adhered to, is to document and discuss them. You are welcome to use MyWishes to assist.

We are a ‘tech for good’ service and everything is free to use.  To learn how it works click here.

Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.


Jonnie Irwin reflects on his digital assets and digital legacy

Jonnie Irwin feature on BBC Morning Live

On Friday, Jonnie Irwin spoke about the importance he places on his ‘Digital Legacy’. Jonnie is a well know public figure familiar to many for presenting ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘Escape to the Country’. Last year he received a terminal lung cancer diagnosis and recently reflected on the importance of his digital footprint and the content that will one day help inform his digital legacy.

The feature also included information about MyWishes and how our ‘Digital Will’ service is being used by society to help document, share and safeguard peoples wishes.

Getting your digital affairs in order

  • Think about the accounts that you use and where your digital assets are located (online and spread across various electronic devices)
  • Backup and share your important assets and information
  • Make suitable plans for your online accounts and document your wishes within a Digital Will (also called a Social Media Will)
  • Download, sign and share copies of your Digital Will at least one person who you trust
  • Document digital assets of a financial value within a Last Will & Testament
  • Download, sign and share copies of your Last Will & Testament with at least one person who you trust
  • Consider curating your favourite photos and videos and sharing them when you have the capacity to do so
  • Consider leaving ‘Goodbye‘ and ‘Scheduled messages‘ for loved ones in the future. This can help bring your digital life to a managed ending

Other news that might be of interest

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for themselves, their possessions and those they care about.

MyWishes
Michael Sobell Hospice 
Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Sharing is caring…


Memento Mori Disco

Memento Mori Disco

Memento Mori Disco is an evening party for Palliative Care Congress 2023 attendees.

The Palliative Care Congress 2023 is taking place between the 16th-17th March. Once the first day of the conference has wrapped up, an evening party will take place from 7pm-11pm at the Festival Pub (2 minute walk from the EICC). It will be an informal opportunity for conversations, networking and friendship making to take place. 

Music Policy

Palliative Care DJs will be playing music by deceased artists throughout the evening. The music will be chosen be chosen by attendees. Slow songs will be played at the start and the more uptempo songs towards the end.

Request a song using the form below...

Request a song form

Artists already added to the DJs Memento Mori roster range from David Bowie and Queen to Johnny Rotten and 2Pac Shakur. The songs played will celebrate the music and legacy of a diverse and eclectic mix of musicians who have had an impact on the lives of palliative care professionals attending this year’s Congress.

Palliative Care DJs…we need you!

If you work within palliative care, are attending this year’s Congress and also DJ, please get in touch. We would love for you to join other palliative care DJs and perform (we can accommodate whichever setup and controller you are familiar with).

Get in touch by clicking here

Reserve a free ticket now

The party is free to attend but please reserve a ticket in advance for accreditation and entry. The capacity of the venue is 150 people and food will be served until 10pm. If you plan to eat and it’s very busy when you arrive, you might want to eat somewhere else nearby. There isn’t a dress code so conference attire or casual clothing are both fine.

 

Drink donation / sponsors

This is a not for profit event and is free to attend. If your company or the company you work for would like to buy attendees a few drinks please use the form below. We have capped the bar tab at £1000. If this amount is reached no further sponsors will be able to contribute.

100% of donations will go behind the bar for attendees. Sponsor(s) will receive “thank you” shout outs from the palliative care DJs and the thanks of those attending. The recommended sponsorship amount is £300 – £600. If you are able to provide attendees with drinks, get in touch: https://www.mywishes.co.uk/contact-usget in touch: 

About The Palliative Care Congress 2023

The Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) hosts the Palliative Care Congress in a different city each year. It attracts over 500 delegates from around the world from a diverse multidisciplinary background. In 2023 the PCC will be bringing Congress to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Scotland. 

To view the full programme click here

MyWishes at PCC 2023

Members of the MyWishes team will be attending and participating in PCC 2023. On Friday James Norris from MyWishes and Professor Mark Taubert a palliative medicine hospital consultant and clinical director at Velindre University NHS Trust will deliver the morning plenary titled ‘Utilising Technology within end-of-life care’.

MyWishes will also be hosting the Memento Mori Disco (as outlined above).

Other news that might be of interest

Learn how to make plans for yourself and those you care about

MyWishes free to use software was developed under the guidance of healthcare, hospice, legal and funeral professionals. Our platform empowers society to make plans for both themselves and those they care about.

MyWishes
Michael Sobell Hospice, Palliative Care Department
Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3
Northwood HA6 2RN
United Kingdom
(Map)

Make plans for yourself and those you care about