Bereavement Officer

As a team Member you will act as a main point of contact and offer the support required for Bereaved relatives via telephone and advise on the processes in place. Maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients. Have knowledge of appropriate agencies to refer on those needing a higher degree of support and counselling. To be a main point of contact for Healthcare Professionals, HM Coroners Office, Registry Office and Funeral Directors.

To provide reception service for the Bereavement Centre for patients relatives and hospital staff. Ensure that the Medical Notes filing system within Bereavement is adhered to. To act as the intermediary between Bereaved Families and Clinicians to resolve the concerns raised and arrange telephone calls or meeting. View patients medical records to ensure that the most relevant Doctor makes himself/herself available to complete the necessary paperwork required during the timeframes given.

To check notes and to identify clinical conditions listed within the Centre and speak with Doctor / Medical Examiner on whether the case requires further input by the Coroner. Induct all new medical staff requested to Bereavement talk though what is required of them and the paperwork needed to be completed, Answer any queries they may have. Oversee the completion of cremation forms and ensure full completion (as to the Standard required by the Crematorium). To ensure a list is provided to the Medical Examiner of Doctors and Nurses who have cared for the patient during their Hospital Stay, Provide their numbers and ward they are working on.

Ensure that the Mortality Review Form is completed by the Doctor to indicate whether any further reviews (SJR) are required. To enter and maintain all deaths onto the Bereavement Centre Database and update accordingly. To contact G.P surgeries were possible, ensuring they are aware of their patients death. Ensuring the Electronic Discharge Summary (EDS) has been sent to them via system and they have the cause of death logged.

To be responsible for typing of all letters, booking appointments, reports, policies and confidential information required in the daily work of the Centre. Deal with doctors fees for completion of cremation medical certificate. Track notes to the Bereavement Centre in accordance with the GEH policy. To undertake receipt, safekeeping and release of patients property (Clothing, Toiletries, personal affects) according to Trust Policy and Departmental SOPs.

Store and Dispose of unclaimed property in line with the Trust Policy and departmental SOPs. Where patient has no Next of Kin or appropriate person you will be required to complete a Registration of Death with the local Registration Office and obtain a Death Certificate. To arrange contract funerals, including preparing paperwork and liaising with Relatives, Funeral Directors, Chaplaincy and Mortician. Meet with relatives in order for paperwork to be completed when necessary.

To liaise with other hospitals when babies and children are taken to other hospitals for specialist post mortem, overseeing the correct completion of the appropriate paperwork needed. To arrange transport with the hospital contract funeral director for babies to be moved in a respectful sensitive manner. To arrange Chapel of Rest viewings of adults and babies during office hours in consultation with the mortician. Meet with family members and escort to the Chapel of Rest.

Return Medical Notes to the appropriate department.