Bungling NHS trust makes fatal gaffe in memo to staff ahead of awareness week
Hospital trust makes statement in promotion of week that 'celebrates life and reminds us that we only die once'
A HOSPITAL Trust has apologised over a memo telling staff dying can be fun.
The newsletter promoting national Dying Matters Awareness Week was leaked by a whistle-blower after complaints.
The memo said: “Dying Matters celebrates life and reminds us that we only die once.
“Living well and dying well can be fun as well as serious.”
It was sent to staff at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in Surrey.
Written by clinical services chief Suzette Fernandes it also said a Death by Chocolate event urging workers and visitors to take in treats had been well received.
A spokesman for the trust said the week had been aimed at getting people to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, including making a will or organ donation.
He said: “We would like to apologise for any offence our promotion may have caused.”