New guide to Bereavement due to Aortic Dissection for families launched

Posted on 24th November 2024

Support for families when someone has died due to Aortic Dissection

The national patient charity's new publication, kindly supported by Tees Law, aims to provide crucial support for those grappling with the aftermath of this often sudden and devastating condition. Written by people who have lost loved ones due to Aortic Dissection and reviewed by medical and legal professionals who work with them, the charity's guide to Bereavement due to Aortic Dissection brings together in friendly, easy-to-understand language the things that need to be done and the resources available to help.

Click here to download the Guide to Bereavement due to Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection kills more people in the UK each year than road traffic accidents. It is a medical emergency that occurs when the inner layer of the aorta tears, leading to life-threatening complications.

For many families, their loss is sudden and unexpected, leaving them in a state of shock and with little understanding of what has happened or what to do. The charity's new Bereavement Guide seeks to fill this gap by offering clear, compassionate advice and practical information to help families navigate their grief and understand the condition that claimed their loved one.

Aortic Dissection Charity: Support for Bereaved Families

Lisa Skinner, Bereavement Support Lead at Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland, explains: "Aortic Dissection is a lethal disease that often strikes families without warning. Mortality is so high that bereaved families currently outnumber survivor families by 3:1. Our charity aims are to support everyone affected by Aortic Dissection, so we asked some of our bereaved relatives to help develop this Guide for people who find themselves in the same situation. I wish that something like this had been available when I lost my two sisters to Aortic Dissection. It would have helped my family so much".

Lisa Skinner lost her two sisters to Aortic Dissection and now leads the national patient charity's support services for bereaved families.

The Guide is tailored to address the unique needs of families bereaved due to Aortic Dissection, providing insights into the medical aspects of the condition, as well as emotional and legal support. Its content includes advice on what to do when someone dies of an Aortic Dissection; how to access support; what to do if you have concerns or complaints about a loved one's care; and important advice for families about the genetic risks of aortic dissection and access to family screening.

Tees Law, who have experience acting for families affected by Aortic Dissection, are generously supporting distribution of the Guide. The firm’s backing underscores the publication's importance in empowering families with the knowledge that they need to make informed decisions during a challenging time.

National Grief Awareness Week: A Timely Launch

The timing of the launch during National Grief Awareness Week is particularly appropriate. Organized by The Good Grief Trust, the week seeks to normalize conversations about grief and ensure that no one faces it alone. The new Bereavement Guide aligns with this mission, encouraging families affected by Aortic Dissection to seek support and connect with others who have shared their journey.

Gareth Owens, Chair of Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland, says: "When I lost my Dad to Aortic Dissection, as an 11-year old boy at Christmas in 1976, there was no support, absolutely nothing, except Dad's well-meaning friends placing their hand on my shoulder and saying 'you're the man of the house now Gareth, look after your mother'. I had no idea what to do. This December, during National Grief Awareness Week, the charity I now lead is demonstrating its commitment to helping families bereaved by Aortic Dissection, so that no-one has to experience that again. Our Bereavement Guide is a free, helpful resource that acts as a gateway to the charity's support services for bereaved families. I'm grateful to The Good Grief Trust for creating this timely opportunity to launch our new publication."

Download the Guide to Bereavement due to Aortic Dissection

Copies of the free Guide are now available through the Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland website, with a PDF version available to download and share. The charity invites bereaved families, healthcare professionals, support groups, and community organizations to download and share the guide widely, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.

By providing this new resource for bereaved families, Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland continues its commitment to raising awareness of Aortic Dissection and supporting everyone affected by this devastating disease. For many, this guide will be a beacon of hope during their darkest days.

For more information or to download the guide, visit www.aorticdissectionawareness.org.