Care After Death

“All HSC staff who have contact with people who are dying and/or with those affected by bereavement should deliver high quality, safe, sensitive and effective care before, at the time of and after death, according to individuals’ backgrounds, communities, beliefs and abilities”                                                                                                HSC Strategy for Bereavement Care (2009) Standard 2: Promoting Safe and Effective Care.

Those who support and care for deceased and bereaved people  have a responsibility to provide a service that is safe, effective and compassionate, “…… good communication and coordination will take place between individuals, organisations and sectors to ensure that resources are targeted efficiently and effectively; and that there is integration of care to meet the needs of people who are dying and their family, friends and carers”
HSC Strategy for Bereavement Care (2009) Standard 6: Working Together 

The death of an individual in any circumstance begins a process that will involve a range of public, statutory, voluntary and community professions and services.  Effective communication between these sectors and organisations can be challenging, but is integral to the bereaved person’s experience. In this section you can access information on the professions and organisations involved including:

  • the care they provide after death
  • other individuals and agencies they work alongside or link with
  • the factors that support and enhance the standard of bereavement care they deliver
  • the guidance that directs their service

This should create better understanding and enhance inter-agency liaison and communication, which ultimately will result in the delivery of safe, effective and sensitive care for deceased people and their families.