A good death ?

A good death, not a cheerful title - or is it  ? Death is part of life.  A presentation tonight really made me think about how we view preparation for death, and make it part of not only how we deliver services, but how how whole society reacts to death.   Where does it take place, is it where people want, is the right support given to people and their loved one's in the last years, weeks and hours of their life. 
We found that as a result of research and consultation 61% of deaths in Stockton take place in hospital, but that is where only 15% prefer it to be.  Death has been increasingly "medicalised", but has that all been a good thing ?  How much are care homes prepared to look after someone whilst they die, instead of sending people to hospital to die ? How much are all deaprtments of the hospital prepared and trained to do what can best be done to prepare someone for a good death ?  how much can employers help by supporting carers with flexible working whilst someone they care for is dying ?  is there really seamless care between health and social services ? Are even prepared to talk about death of each other and ourselves ?
Lots and lots of questions, and no easy answers, but I am sure that all of this needs to be thought about, and indeed talked about, as plans of any sort are made by public bodies as well as our own.
In the meantime why not have a look at "please consider my wishes" and take the opportunity to spread the word that it will be a help to all if it is looked at, talked about, and even filled in ?