West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Help for Bereaved Relatives

Transcription

1 West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust Help for Bereaved Relatives

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3 NOTES The staff wish to express their sincere sympathy to you at this time. This booklet aims to provide some practical help and advice during the early days of your bereavement. Please don t hesitate to ask questions if you are unclear about any matter, our staff will always be pleased to help. 1

4 How to contact Patient Affairs Our staff in Patient Affairs can give you help and support with anything covered in this booklet. Here is some information on how you can contact them: Hemel Hempstead: / Opening hours: , Monday - Friday. (Closed ) Entrance A, Main Block. Watford General Hospital: /217369/ Opening hours , Monday - Friday. (closed ) Level 2, Princess Michael of Kent Wing. If you have any queries regarding a death at St Albans City Hospital, please contact Patient Affairs in Hemel Hempstead (see above). Collection of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death 2 The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually available on the first working day following death. Please telephone Patient Affairs (see page 2) after to arrange a time for collection. You must give the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Registry Office so that an official registration of death can take place. St Albans City Hospital: the doctor on the ward issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.Please contact the appropriate ward: Langton Ward: Sopwell Ward: De La Mare:

5 Registering a death Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued by Patient Affairs (see page 2), you must register the death with the Registrar of Births and Deaths within five working days. There is no charge to register a death unless a certified copy is purchased. Please make an appointment by contacting the appropriate Registry Office. Hemel Hempstead: Opening hours: Mon - Thursday Friday The Bury, Queensway, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. St Albans: Telephone: The Gate House, Victoria Street, St. Albans AL1 3YW. Opening hours: Mon - Thursday Friday Watford: Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire. Opening hours: Mon - Thursday Friday You will need to take along the following information about the person who has died: Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Their full name and surname (and maiden name if married) Their date and place of birth (birth certificate helpful but not essential) Their occupation Their usual home address Any pension or allowance they received (pension books helpful) Date of birth of their surviving widow/widower As well as the purchased Death Certificate, the Registrar will give you a Certificate of Burial or Cremation, which you should give to the Funeral Director. You will also be given a Certificate of Death for Social Security purposes. 3

6 Duties of the Coroner Some deaths have to be reported to the Coroner for legal reasons. This is usually when a Doctor is unable to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The Coroner is appointed by the Queen to investigate certain types of death. If a post-mortem is required, a slight delay may be experienced before the registration and funeral process can take place. A death can be referred to the Coroner if: no precise cause has been established it follows an operation, or if it is possible that it could be due to a complication of surgery or anaesthetics it is not thought to be from natural causes it is due to an injury, however it happened, or if an accident or negligence is alleged it takes place within 24 hours of admission to hospital. There are other times when a death needs to be referred to the Coroner, for example death from industrial diseases, poisoning, suicide, murder, etc. Patient Affairs will be able to help you and give you advice (see page 2). You should wait to hear from the Coroner s office before contacting the Registry office. The Coroner s office telephone numbers are: Hemel Hempstead and St Albans: Watford: All deaths that happen in Accident and Emergency will automatically be referred to the Coroner. The Coroner will make a decision regarding the issuing of a Death Certificate. Please contact Patient Affairs (see page 2) or the Coroner s Office. 4

7 When a death takes place at weekends or Public Holidays While staff will endeavour at all times to assist in the fulfilling of any particular religious requirement you may have in relation to funeral practices, sometimes there are unavoidable delays in the issuing of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In all these circumstances the person s body cannot be released immediately, and a delay is to be expected. The main causes of such delays are listed here. 1. When the death takes place out of hours and when there are no legal reasons for a delay the issuing of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death may be delayed. Friday afternoon - Monday morning A Public Holiday 2. When there are Legal reasons for a delay: see Section Duties of the Coroner 3. When the funeral is to take place out of England or Wales. An Out of England order will be issued to you by the Coroner beforehand. A Free from Infection Certificate must be issued by the hospital prior to transportation. Your funeral director can arrange for this. The body of a deceased person cannot be released from the hospital until the Death has been registered, and you have been given the correct certificate by the Registrar. Whoever collects the deceased from the hospital must bring the correct documents with them. 5

8 Patient and Public Involvement Bereavement Survey / discussion groups: The Staff aim to deliver a professional level of care at all times. Consequently we are undertaking a survey of the current provision of care to the dying patient, and support for bereaved relatives and carers. We recognise that this is a difficult time for you, but if you feel able to return the enclosed questionnaire within this booklet you would help us greatly in evaluating and developing our responses to, and immediate support for, relatives and friends of those who have died within this hospital. If you would prefer to talk with a member of staff, an interview based on the questionnaire can be arranged. Alternatively you may find it helpful to share your views and ideas with others who have had a similar experience. If so, we would like to invite you to attend a discussion group as part of the survey. We hope you feel able to complete the questionnaire and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided. You can be sure that however you choose to participate in this survey your responses will not only be treated in confidence but will be invaluable in helping us gain a greater awareness of the quality of care provided in this highly sensitive area of our work. It will assist us to improve the care we offer to relatives, friends and carers in future. If you would like further information about Patient and Public Involvement please contact The Head of patient services:

9 Belongings You can collect belongings from the Patient Affairs Office (see page 2) at the same time as the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death or in the case of St Albans City Hospital from the ward at the same time as the collection of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Chapel of Rest Patient Affairs can help you to arrange a viewing in the Chapel of Rest (see page 2). Funeral Directors have their own facilities where you can also pay your last respects. Viewings can only take place during working hours and by appointment. Bereavement Care provided by the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team The Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team is made up of chaplains and spiritual healthcare providers whose role is to provide spiritual, pastoral and religious care for parents and their relatives. Chaplaincy staff are able to provide bereavement counselling as well as practical advice during the early days of your bereavement. Chaplains can also help you to find appropriate ongoing support from among a wide variety of local organisations including faith communities. Hemel Hempstead and St Albans: Watford:

10 Organ, Tissue and Body Donations Patient Affairs (see page 2) will advise you on all matters relating to organ and tissue donations for the benefit of others or the giving of a body for use in teaching anatomy to medical students. Arranging a Funeral You may contact a Funeral Director 24 hours a day, including weekends. Your chosen Funeral Director can make all the necessary arrangements and can also advise you on all the procedures and documents you will need as well as the timing of the funeral service. They may come to your house if you prefer. Your own Minister, Priest or religious leader and the Hospital Chaplains may also be of great help during this difficult time (see page 7). Most Funeral Directors belong to the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) and/or SAIF (Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors) and/or the BIFD (British Institute of Funeral Directors). These associations have their own codes of practice that must be followed to ensure consistant levels of service and standards. Patient Affairs can give you a list of local Funeral Directors (see page 2). Funerals are expensive although basic costs tend to be similar. However, the final cost can vary considerably. Do not be afraid to mention your budget. Financial help may be available if you receive benefits, or if the person who has died has no next of kin. Please ask Patient Affairs about this (see page 2). Contact the DSS before making any arrangements (see page 15). If the person who has died was a War Pensioner, you may be able to get a grant form: War Pensions Branch, DSS, Norcross, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. Telephone:

11 State benefits The Registrar of Births and Deaths will have given you a Notification of Death Certificate, which you need to send or take to a DSS office after you have filled it in. Further information is available in a DSS booklet What to do after death in England and Wales (D49) available from any DSS office (see page 15). Some advice you may find helpful Do try to talk about what happened with your family, a close friend or a sympathetic support group (see from page 11) Someone within this group may be able to help you find a Funeral Director Don t let anyone hurry you into making decisions until you are ready, especially with regard to funeral arrangements Don t be afraid to tell the Funeral Director if you only have a limited amount of money for the funeral. They will help and advise you Your local religious community may be of help to you at this time; don t be afraid to contact them even if you are not a practising member Do take care of yourself; eat properly and try to rest Consult your family doctor who is there to help Take care not to enter into any financial arrangements that you do not understand Give yourself time to adjust to life without your loved one before making any major changes 9

12 Do remember to contact any of the organisations mentioned overleaf if you require help or would like to talk through any difficulties We all grieve differently. You may have all sorts of mixed feelings and emotions. These can include numbness, panic, anger and deep despair. They are all normal feelings when you have been bereaved Give yourself time to work through your grief. It may take longer than you think Do seek the support of friends, family or a caring organisation. This booklet includes some numbers of caring organisations who can offer help and support (see from page 11). 10

13 The Way Foundation The Way Foundation provides a self-help social and support network for men and women widowed under the age of 50, and their children. Funeral Directors Please ask Patient Affairs if you would like a list of local Funeral Directors. They will be happy to help (see page 2). Notes Infant & Child Death Advice & Support Organisations Babyloss reachout@babyloss.com Babyloss is an exclusively online resource for anyone whose life has been touched by pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Medical advice is not given Child Death Helpline Monday - Friday , every evening A freephone service for all affected by the death of a child. Staffed by bereaved parent volunteers. This is not a counselling service. Childhood Bereavement Network Provides access to information, guidance and support services for bereaved children, their families and carers. Compassionate Friends Helpline: Open 7 days/week An organisation of bereaved parents and their families helping others through their grief after the death of a child (at whatever age). Offers support by befriending, group, letter/e.mail, newsletter, useful publications, postal library and a programme of informal weekend retreats and an annual weekend gathering. 18 This publication has been prepared by the Patient Affairs and the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Dept (2007) 11

14 CONI (Care of the Next Infant) (search on CONI) Care of the next infant - programme offers advice, support and practical help to cot death parents and families whose babies have died for other reasons. FSID Helpline (The Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (SIDS) Helpline: hr advice For parents whose babies have died as a result of sudden infant death. The Miscarriage Association Monday - Friday Information and support for all who have experienced pregnancy loss. SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) For parents who experience the loss of a baby during or after the birth. S.P.R.I.N.G (Support for Parents and Relatives in Neonatal Grief) (Maternity Services Counsellor) 24 hr voic Open meetings held 1st Wednesday of every month Counselling and befriending service providing support to parents and relatives who have experienced the loss of a baby before or around birth; including miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination for fetal abnormality. 12 The Samaritans , 24 hour service. Offers confidential telephone support for all in despair. SIBBS (Support in Bereavement for Brothers and Sisters) Helpline: Open 7 days/week A sister organisation to Compassionate Friends click on Search box and type Siblings. A nationwide self-help support group for people who have experienced the death of a brother or sister. Offers the same support as Compassionate Friends. (see separate entry). SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) Helpline: MONTHLY MEETINGS HELD CONTACT For those who have experienced the suicide of someone close to them. The Peace Hospice Bereavement Services and Network Helpline Hour voic with rapid response to your call Professional support following a death Offers counselling, visits and children s grief support programme (Stars) Victim Support Western Area Monday - Friday Offers practical support and advice for victims of crime, suicide or any sudden death. Sudden Death Support Association An organisation to help relatives and close friends of people who die suddenly. It is run by people who have experienced this type of loss themselves. 17

15 Harrow Bereavement Care Monday, Wednesday, Friday hour answer phone Link Youth Counselling Service Counselling services for year olds free and confidential Monday - Friday Wednesday: Based in the Hillingdon area but offers contact details for counselling servics in other areas. Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard hrs telephone service, not voic . Bereavement support for lesbian and gay people. Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre for cancer support and information Monday - Friday Free drop-in and telephone information service for cancer patients and their carers. National Association of Widows Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Offers social support. Pension Service Hemel Hempstead / St Albans / Watford Advice & Support Organisations African and Descendants Counselling , usually Answering Service: calls will be returned. East Finchley Neighbourhood Centre, Room 3 42 Church Lane East Finchley London N2 8DT. Age Concern Hemel Hempstead (Dacorum area) Monday - Friday Hertfordshire Information Line: Harrow and Pinner area Monday - Friday Asian Advisory Service , Monday - Friday 1st Floor, 161 Mare Street Hackney London E8 3RH. Counselling support, offered in Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindu, Urdu and Bengali. BACUP A free nationwide telephone information and counselling service offering Support for people with cancer, their relatives and friends

16 LINK Youth Counselling Service Hillingdon Link Based in the Hillingdon area, but will offer contact numbers for people in other areas. Counselling services for year olds. Free and confidential. Citizens Advice Bureau Hemel Hempstead / Monday (drop in service) (appointments only) Tuesday (drop in service) (drop in service) Wednesday Closed Thursday (drop in service) (drop in service) Friday (drop in service) Closed in Afteroon Watford Drop in Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: Tues: Telephone calls only. St Albans / Drop in Mon, Tues, Fri: Wed: Thurs: ; Grove House (In the grounds of ST Albans City Hospital) Mon - Fri: (drop in service) Cancer bereavement advice for family, carers and friends. Cruse Bereavement Care Hertfordshire Admin: Referrals: The Old Courthouse, St Albans Rd East Hatfield AL10 0ES. Cruse Helpline (National) Monday - Friday An organisation that offers general and practical advice, details on benefits and local cruse organisations to anyone who has been bereaved. Cruse also provides bereavement counselling, and befriending. Cruse Bereavement Care Youth Line Freephone helpline: A website for children and young people aged between who have been bereaved. Also has details of a confidential telephone number for professional confidential bereavement counselling. Department of Social Security (DSS) Hemel Hempstead / St Albans / Watford Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday , Friday East London Asian Family Counselling Monday - Friday , plus answer phone Whitechapel Road London E1 1DW. Counselling support offered in Bengali