A new advance statement for patients to enable them to record their preferences for care should they become less well, has been launched by Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB, which is called: ‘My Wishes’.

My Wishes, which is a patient-held document, allows patients to plan and write down their preferences and wishes to inform family, friends and healthcare professionals about what matters most to them should they become less well. This can help patients to feel more in control and reassured that their wishes will guide decisions made by those caring for them.

My Wishes is available in different formats, so patients can keep a digital or paper copy. The options on how patients can access My Wishes are as follows:

• Patient portal – patients registered with a GP practice in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, complete a digital copy of My Wishes in the new patient portal, which you can share digitally with people in your circle of care. To access the portal or to create a patient portal account,  visit: https://app.maiacares.com/myhealthandwellbeing
• ICS website - patients can download a copy of My Wishes from the ICS website and find out more information on advance care planning at: https://www.hwics.org.uk/our-services/care-last-year-life
• Printed copy – if patients don’t have access to the internet, you can request a paper copy of the My Wishes form from their GP practice.