A charity in Ireland has asked the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to ease the current restrictions on funerals, according to an article in the Independent this week.

The Irish Hospice Foundation’s survey conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes found that 68 percent of those asked thought that the pandemic has made people rethink the way society deals with death and bereavement. Almost one in ten believe being with extended family and friends is an important part of the grieving process.

At present, restrictions put in place to stop the spread of Covid-19 mean numbers at funerals are strictly limited.

Supporting people grieving

The survey also found that more than half of respondents said they didn’t know what to say to someone who has been bereaved and how they should support them, with this figure rising to 77 percent among the 34 and under age group.

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Almost a third of respondents said they didn’t think there were enough supports available, while a tenth of people answering the survey thought we talked too much about death and 34 percent felt we don’t talk about it enough.

The Irish Hospice Foundation has now written to NPHET asking the body to ease the current strict funeral restrictions.

Dying with dignity

Chief executive Sharon Foley said: “We know from our work over 30 years that Irish people want a society where death and bereavement is openly talked about and not hidden away, where people can die with dignity and that supports and services are in place for end of life and for loved ones who are bereaved.

“This opinion poll shows us that more than two-thirds believe the COVID-19 pandemic is making us rethink how we deal with dying and bereavement. This supports our belief from decades of experience and our learning from the COVID-19 pandemic that death, dying and bereavement is truly everyone’s business and requires a comprehensive national response.

“We know that grieving in isolation has resulted in doubtless suffering for many individuals and families. That is why we have written to the National Public Health Emergency Team calling on them to increase the number of people allowed to attend funerals while maintaining social distancing and other public health measures.”

 

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