The guidelines have been developed by the multi-disciplinary Care at the point of death (CAPOD) group chaired by senior practice development nurse Ruth Bailey.  The group – a sub group of the Bereavement and Loss group – was set up as part of the strategy of Nursing and Midwifery to improve care and ensure consistent practice across the trust.

The aim of the guidelines is to ensure that all bereaved relatives receive the best possible care at the this difficult time. They are in the form of two checklists. The first guides nurses to prepare themselves before having a sensitive conversation with relatives. The second acts as a reminder to guide the content of the conversation. 

Participating wards volunteered to pilot the guidelines and nominated staff to attend training in February.  This was facilitated by hospital chaplains, Peter Wells and Richard Harlow -Trigg, donor liaison sister Christine Elding and clinical site manager Stephane Bouchouca. 

The training introduced nurses to the checklists, and also addressed communication skills and gave practical information around the process at the time of death. 

Staff have been asked to cascade this training in their areas and to implement the guidelines.  The course facilitators are now acting as mentors to support the link nurses in this role. The pilot is running until the end of July and evaluation will be complete in September.