Only 10% would choose to die in hospital - survey

Two thirds of Irish people would prefer to die at home even though most end up dying in hospitals or care units, according to a survey of Irish people's attitudes to death.

The study found that while only 10 per cent of people would choose to die in hospital 75 per cent of deaths occur in these units.

Carried out for the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), the survey is the first examination of Irish attitudes towards terminal illness and dying.

It found that the three priorities for people facing death is the presence of friends and family, to be free of pain and conscious and able to communicate.

Mr Eugene Murray, CEO of the IHF, said he believed the survey shows "that we need to urgently look at the care that people who are dying and terminally ill receive in our hospitals, as the level of concern around this is very high".

"We hope this survey will begin a national debate on death and dying, what people want when they are dying, and why so many people die in hospitals when they want to be at home."

Half of those surveyed believed death and dying is not discussed enough with 9 per cent thinking there is too much discussion on the subject. One in three people believe there was an appropriate amount of discussion on the subject.

There was no signifant difference in the views of the different social groups, although people with an agricultural background were less comfortable talking about the subject than their urban counterparts.

The research is part of a project by the IHF to develop a programme to change to culture of care for the terminally ill and death in hospitals.

According to the IHF the results of the study reveal how important care for the terminally ill is considered by the public.

Weafer and Associates Research, with TNS/mrbi carried out the research, based on interviews with 1,000 people at various locations across the State. The study was supported by the Health Services National Partnership Forum.