Thousands of pounds will be invested at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals to improve the conditions in which terminally ill patients spend the last moments of their lives.

The £40,000 Government cash boost will fund a variety of projects to help dying patients cope with their fate, as well as improve facilities for their families and hospital staff.

Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust is one of 19 trusts to take part in the £1 million Department of Health programme.

Care Services minister Ivan Lewis said: "We know that most deaths occur in NHS hospitals, which is why it is important we make these environments as pleasant as possible for patients and their families.

"How we care for the dying is an indicator of how we care for all sick and vulnerable people.

"It is a measure of society as a whole and, in particular, it is a litmus test for health and social care services."