On Friday 12th May CNO Charlotte McArdle will launch a new regional guideline for nurses as part of SEHSCT International Nurses Day. This guideline, developed by the HSC Bereavement Network, in consultation with nurses and care assistants across NI, includes not only ‘last offices’ procedures, but also outlines the wider responsibilities that nurses have towards patients and their loved ones. This includes their liaison with colleagues from other professions and services regarding health and safety, legal, administrative, spiritual and cultural requirements, before, at the time of and immediately following death.

The principles contained within the document will help nurses and midwives working in any setting to deliver safe, sensitive and person centred care to the deceased person and their loved ones. Care of the deceased patient and their family: A Guideline for Nursing Practice in Northern Ireland (HSC Bereavement Network, 2017)