Dying Matters Awareness Week 2025 - Sylwia Borejsza

This week, during Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Awareness Week, with the theme of ‘The Culture of Dying Matters’ we would like to share some of the wonderful faces behind the care here at Hospice Isle of Man.

Our amazing staff bring diverse experiences and perspectives on death and dying that help us provide truly patient-centred care.

Here, Sylwia Borejsza shares her insights on how her culture approaches conversations, feelings and traditions around death and dying:

1. Could you share some background information about your heritage, family origins, or cultural background?
Poland has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on family, tradition, and Catholicism. Many Polish people place great importance on respecting their ancestors and honouring their memories.

2. How does your culture deal with death and dying – are there any significant traditions or differences of note to those you’ve witnessed locally?
In Polish culture, death is often viewed as a natural part of life, but it's also a time for mourning and paying respects. Traditions include holding wakes, funerals, and memorial services, often with traditional food, music, and prayer. The Polish people also celebrate All Souls' Day (Zaduszki) on November 1st, where they honour the deceased by visiting cemeteries and lighting candles.

3. How does your cultural background shape your work at Hospice Isle of Man and contribute to making it a supportive place for patients?
On the IOM there are lots of different cultures with a population of 2000 of Polish people but it’s important that Hospice is aware they can always approach me should there be anyone who comes into Hospice that may be polish … I would be happy to support & share beliefs which may be helpful especially when that person is dying! The care before death is equally important as with catholic religion the dying patient is offered sacrament of the sick which mean a priest will join the patient and family in prayers and carry out anointment which is said to cleanse the soul from sin prior to their death.

4. What message would you share with the wider Isle of Man community about the important of understanding different cultural perspectives on death and dying?
Understanding different cultural perspectives on death and dying is crucial for building a compassionate and inclusive community. By respecting and embracing these differences, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds. In the Polish culture, we say "Niech odpoczywa w pokoju" (May he/she rest in peace), which reflects our desire to honour the deceased and find peace.