HEALTH leaders want to hear from the relatives of elderly or terminally-ill loved-ones who have just died.

NHS North Staffordshire is aiming to improve its end-of-life care so more patients can spend their last few days where they want.

Allison Cape, from NHS North Staffordshire, said: "We want to hear from people who can share their experiences of end-of-life care.

"We know many people would prefer to spend their final hours in familiar surroundings with loved-ones near."

The Sentinel reported earlier this month how NHS North Staffordshire was spending £2/5 million to improve its own end-of-life care.

Figures for the city showed that of the 2,500 average number of deaths a year in Stoke-on-Trent alone, only 392 were at home despite research suggesting 2,180 people wanted that option.

Of the rest, 1,470 died in hospital, 490 in care homes, and more than 100 in a hospice. A further 50 people a year on average die suddenly.

To help with the consultation, call NHS North Staffordshire on 0845 6026772.