Contacts
Contact:
Rachel McMillan
Senior Nurse/Modern MatronClinical Oncology Unit
Organisation:
Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Christie Hospital Wilmslow Road Withington Manchester M20 4BX United Kingdom
Tel:
0845 226 3000
0161 446 8224 (direct)
Email:
Case study:
11 May 2010
Refurbishment of the Bereavement Suite at the Christie Hospital Trust
Key points
- The refurbishment of the Christie Hospital’s mortuary has transformed the experience of carers and relatives viewing the deceased
- The Bereavement Suite now has new colours, lighting, décor, artwork and signage
- The number of carers and relatives visiting the suite has increased and they also report feeling more comfortable because of the relaxing surroundings.
A complete refurbishment of the Christie Hospital’s mortuary has transformed the experience of carers and relatives wishing to view the body of their loved one.
As a result there has been a significant increase in the number of visits with relatives and carers reporting they feel more comfortable because of the relaxed surroundings.
One family found the environment so relaxing they stayed with the deceased for 22 hours.
The changes came about through a King’s Fund pilot programme focusing on enhancing care environments at the end of life.
As a result the hospital undertook a refurbishment programme, mainly funded by the strategic health authority, which enhanced the corridor leading up to the suite and the ambience of the relatives’ room, anteroom and viewing room.
Colours, décor, lighting, signage and artwork created by patients and carers have transformed the area which has been renamed the Bereavement Suite.
In addition a Bereavement Services Manager has been appointed who has arranged for local registrars to meet relatives in the designated office within the suite to register the deaths.
It was also important to ensure all relevant staff throughout the organisation were aware and involved in the changes.
This was achieved by drop-in sessions and staff tours together with questionnaires asking for relevant suggestions.
The team also encourage feedback from relatives and carers using the suite.
The trust is currently reviewing administrative procedures following a death with the aim of having all relevant paperwork carried out in the Bereavement Suite.
The project has highlighted how an appropriate environment contributes to the overall experience for bereaved visitors.As a result all future capital projects throughout the organisation have been instructed to incorporate artwork.
The estates department has also developed guidelines on the appropriate use of décor, colour, lighting and flooring.
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