Leyland GP surgery apologises after sending 'blunt' mass text message about Dying Matters

Patients at a Leyland GP surgery have hit-out after a mass text message about dying was sent out.

It is understood that the message - about a Dying Matters event on Saturday, May 4 - was directly addressed to each patient, and sent without warning yesterday.

Some patients who are fighting cancer have taken to social media saying they thought it was pointedly sent to them, and found the communication shocking and inconsiderate. Other people who have recently lost loved ones said the language was blunt, and others said perhaps there should have been a trigger warning attached.

The message, which has been seen by the Post, invites the recipient to the event where they can speak freely to different people from different backgrounds and professions about all matters relating to death and end of life care. The text message says it’s the first event of its kind for the surgery, and is open to everyone.

Find out more about the event here Other patients who have recieved the message have backed the surgery, saying that it’s a worthwhile event, and are glad the issue of death and dying is being normalised.

Staff at the Health Centre have now said they will reflect on the comments they have received.

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What does the Worden Medical Centre say?

A spokesman for the Medical Centre partners told the Post: “We had scheduled a message promoting a community event supporting national Dying Matters week here at the surgery for all patients and relatives.   

“We have unreservedly apologised to our patients for any upset caused regarding the communication surrounding this.  We have listened to feedback and want to reassure our patients that this was not targeted to anyone specifically.  We understand that this is a difficult and sensitive topic, but wished to give the opportunity to start compassionate conversations to all. 

“We have taken on board patients comments and we are deeply sorry for the way it came across in the text.  On reflection we recognise how this has been seen as blunt and inconsiderate.  We value the feelings and responses of our patients.  We strive to improve our communication - learning and reflecting from comments received.  We want our patients to feel heard.  We work closely with our Patient Representative Group in this regard and they have also been actively supportive of this event.

“We want to improve our care surrounding the end of life and we hope that the event does spark some conversations.  We want to be an approachable environment and support patients and relatives facing these difficult times.”

What is Dying Matters?

Dying Matters is a campaign run by the charity, Hospice UK. They work with organisations, decision makers and the public to make things better for people who are dying or grieving.  

The charity says that right now we don’t have the right language to talk about death, and this means that not everyone gets the support that suits them as they approach the end of life.