Case study:

28 September 2007

Care of the deceased patient and the bereaved folder in Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust

Key points

Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust has devised an information folder designed to improve continuity of care between clinical and bereavement staff.

The folder, which was produced in 2005, includes guidance on:

referral to the coroner and the post-mortem consent policy

guidance for staff communicating news of a death to families

care of the body following death.

Devised by a multidisciplinary staff group, it also includes a single pathway to map out the care of the deceased patient and a colour-coded laminated last offices chart.

A formal referral letter to bereavement staff from ward staff ensures next of kin contact information is current. There is a facility to alert staff to areas of concern.

It also contains information leaflets and guidance on cultural issues.

The introduction of the folder has enhanced teamwork and communication and improved relationships between PALS, clinical risk and legal services.

In addition bereavement staff are now forging links with particular clinical areas.

Meanwhile the Bereavement Department has developed key performance indicators to establish service standards.

It is also hoped the number of complaints being monitored in this area will reduce over time.