St Giles Hospice has endorsed the results of a new national survey which shows that when facing the end of life, people from the Midlands think about their loved ones before themselves.

The survey of people’s priorities was carried out to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 6th October, and asked over 1,000 members of the public what they felt would be of most importance to them if they found out they had only six months to live.

68%* of Midlanders said that spending quality time with their loved ones would be a top priority and 58% cited putting their affairs in order and making arrangements for those they left behind.

Less than a third (29%) felt they would want to travel to places they had never been. 13% said they would seek to achieve a life-long ambition and just 9% would spend their savings.

Hospice patients who reviewed the poll results felt that although the responses were broadly similar to their own priorities, they had some others that had not been mentioned.

These included taking care of their health, feeling cared for and having the opportunity to talk to and socialise with other people, particularly those with an understanding of their situation.

Peter Holliday, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, which cares for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses, comments: “These findings come as no surprise as every day we see how much importance our patients place on their families, particularly when they are nearing the end of their lives.

“This is why it is so essential that people are listened to, and a core value of the care we offer here at St Giles is in ensuring it matches each individual’s needs and wishes.

“World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is an important date in the calendar, highlighting the important role hospice care plays in the community, and providing the opportunity to celebrate this around the world.”

St Giles Hospice is a registered charity offering high-quality medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered at the hospice's facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington between Lichfield and Tamworth, or in patients' own homes across the region.

St Giles spends over £5million every year providing its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the Government, the registered charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising, every penny of which goes to support the care of the terminally ill within St Giles’ catchment area.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is an annual global event designed to raise awareness and fundraise for hospices and palliative care services locally, nationally and internationally. More than 1,000 events in over 70 countries are anticipated. High profile supporters of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day include Bono, Elton John, Dame Judi Dench and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

St Giles Hospice will be holding a concert to mark the day at Bishop Walsh School, Sutton Coldfield, from 7.30pm on Saturday 13th October, featuring the melodic sounds of the Sutton Coldfield Community Choir. Tickets are £5 each and all proceeds go towards supporting the care of local people – for details call Linda Bridges on 01543 432538.

To find out more and get involved in World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2007, visit www.worldday.org or email worldday@helpthehospices.org.uk