Website of the Department of Health

Help is at hand: a resource for people bereaved by suicide and other sudden, traumatic death (2008 edition)

Thousands of people die by suicide every year in England and Wales and estimates show that at least six people are deeply affected by each death. Any bereavement is difficult, but bereavement by suicide or other sudden death is particularly traumatic and many people find it hard to get the help they need. Help is at Hand (developed by the Centre for Suicide Research at Oxford University) aims to meet the needs of the bereaved and also those health and other professionals who are in contact with them. People in this situation need practical and emotional help: Help is at Hand contains a comprehensive list of resources for further advice and support.

• Help is at hand (new edition September 2008)

Care and respect in death: Good practice guidance for NHS mortuary staff

Published: 10/08/2006

Mortuaries are a vital part of the service the NHS gives to patients who die in hospital, or are brought to hospital after death, and to their families and friends. Mortuary staff have an important and challenging role, providing an efficient service while responding sensitively to the needs of the bereaved. This is a difficult job, and there are many caring and dedicated staff working in NHS mortuaries. On the rare occasions when something goes wrong, however, the impact on bereaved families can be devastating. This guidance was developed by a working group including representatives of the various groups working in or with NHS mortuaries; and refined with input from a wide range of individuals and organisations including bereavement organisations, faith groups, minority ethnic groups and hospital chaplains. It provides a resource for those running and working in NHS mortuaries which they can use to review their practice and protocols against best practice, ensuring local systems are set up to minimise the opportunities for error, and ensuring they reflect the underlying principles of care and respect in all areas of their work.

• Care and respect in death: Good practice guidance for NHS mortuary staff

When a patient dies: Advice on developing bereavement services in the NHS

Published: 30/10/2005

This document has been developed for the NHS to provide advice on the basic principles and elements considered necessary in developing bereavement services locally.

• When a patient dies: Advice on developing bereavement services in the NHS

From understanding to implementation : meeting the needs of families and individuals affected by post-mortem organ retention

The Department of Health has funded this research project by Dr Magi Sque et al from the University of Southampton School of Nursing and Midwifery. One of the aims of the project was to identify and prioritise the practical, emotional, informational and support needs of families and individuals affected by organ retention.

• It can be found under Research: Completed Research Activities on their website (opens new window)

Sudden Death and the Coroner

Publications for the next-of-kin and their families, including their immediate rights with respect to post mortems, following a sudden death where a coroner is involved.

• Sudden Death and the Coroner

Survey of bereavement care and other support services

Published: 19/07/2005

In 2001, the Department of Health carried out a detailed survey to ascertain the level of bereavement services being provided in NHS Trusts. The current survey builds on that information and focuses on looking at the extent of bereavement services, how they are staffed and how they fit into the overall provision of service across a Trust.

• Survey of bereavement care and other support services