Care of the Dying
When the Patient has Died
Immediately after Death
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On this page: When the Patient has Died Bereavement & Medical Examiner Office Consented Post Mortem Spritual Support Book of Remembrance We value your feedback |
When the patient has died
You may wish to stay with your loved one for a period of time after they have died - please check with the ward staff if this is possible.
The nurse will then personal care after death (Last Offices). This is the physical care given to a deceased patient which demonstrates our respect for the dead as well as health and safety and legal requirements. Sometimes families may feel that they would like to be involved in this care. Please let the nursing staff know if your loved one had any particular wishes about their care after death, for example any religious or cultural beliefs.
Before leaving the hospital the staff may ask you if you would like to take any belongings or valuables with you.
The deceased person will then be moved to the hospital mortuary.
Care at the End of Life leaflet
Bereavement Office: Information for family and friends
For any advice concerning these matters please contact:
The Bereavement and Medical Examiner Office
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Hospital chaplaincy team
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Palliative care team
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Your own GP or local vicar may also be of great support and advice to you.
Bereavement and Medical Examiner Office
The ward staff will ask you to contact the Bereavement and Medical Examiner Office. This is a service for the newly bereaved. Advice and support is given to relatives and explanations on how to deal with the formalities required by law following a death.
About the Bereavement & Medical Examiner Office
Consented Post Mortem Examinations
After the death of a patient a senior doctor responsible for their care may seek the permission of the next-of-kin to carry out a post mortem examination.
A post mortem is an important examination that aims to find out more about a person's illness.
A consented post mortem, unlike one ordered by the Coroner, cannot take place without agreement of the next-of-kin.
The process of gaining consent is very detailed and involves asking a number of questions to ensure that the patient's wishes, and those of their next-of-kin, are ascertained and respected.
A copy of the consent form will be offered along with an NHS booklet providing additional information about the examination.
Please be assured that the post mortem examination will be carried out sympathetically and will not normally delay funeral arrangements.
The result of this examination may be obtained from either the patient's Consultant or General Practitioner.
Spiritual Support
Spiritual Care Centre, D1 corridor on the ground floor
The Chaplains at the Royal United Hospital provide pastoral support and spiritual care to patients, their carers and hospital staff. If you would like to speak to a member of the Chaplaincy Team, please ask the nursing staff to make contact for you, or you may telephone the hospital switchboard on 01225 428 331 and ask for the on-call chaplain to be contacted via their 'bleep' number.
A chaplain is always on site from 8.30am to 4.30pm and is available outside hours in an emergency.
If you would like to contact your own faith leader or minister, please mention this to the chaplain, who will be happy to arrange this for you.
More information about the Chaplaincy and the Spiritual Care Centre
Book of Remembrance
A book of remembrance is kept in the Hospital Spiritual Care Centre.
If you would like an entry made in memory of your loved one, please complete the form available from the Spiritual Care Centre or complete the online form below:
Book of Remembrance entry
Internet form to be completed on line
There will be no charge for the entry, but you may like to make a donation to the RUH Remembrance Fund. Please make cheques payable to RUH Remembrance Fund.
Registered Charity Number 1058323
We value your feedback
We understand that this may be a difficult time for you, but we would very much appreciate your time in completing a short questionnaire, if you feel able to do so in the weeks or months ahead. The questions will ask you to comment on the care that you and your relative/friend received in the last days/hours of life at the hospital.
Please be assured that everything you tell us will be in confidence and your name or personal details will not be revealed. What you tell us will be used along with the comments of other people, to help in our work to improve the care that seriously ill patients and their families receive at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
Taking part in this is entirely voluntary. If you feel able to give feedback, please complete this short online questionnaire:
Bereavement Feedback Questionnaire
Thank you.