PRINCIPLES OF BEREAVEMENT CARE
Each child will be recognised as an individual and will always be referred to by their name and treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Every child that dies is also part of a family unit. It is vital that their family and friends are supported with the utmost care and sensitivity, taking into account their cultural, spiritual and emotional needs without discrimination in any way.
Parents/carers will be kept informed about their child’s condition at all times. They will be able to talk with the team about the appropriate choices available to them concerning the management of their child’s death; this may include discussion about post-mortem and organ donation.
The wishes of the child and those of the family will be clarified and respected, particularly concerning religious and cultural issues. Where possible these should be discussed and documented before death occurs. However the death may be sudden and unexpected and the family may have given no thought to death previously.
Other members of the team who can offer specialist knowledge, clinical or pastoral care will be informed and involved as appropriate.
Privacy will be offered to allow and encourage the expression of immediate grief. The initial reaction may be one of shock, disbelief and numbness or apparent composure with a focus on procedural tasks. Strong emotions may follow such as distress, anger, hostility, guilt or disorientation. The family should be reassured that these feelings are normal.
The procedures and care necessary following the death of a child will be explained to the family. The aim of the procedures, care and support is to enable individuals to begin to cope with the reality of death. There are very few hard and fast rules. The family may need guidance with the legal procedures and the organisation involved at the time of death, particularly if the Coroner is involved, as some choices may be slightly limited. However it is mainly about informing the family of their choices and supporting them through the choices they make.
Written, as well as verbal information, will be given regarding practical information and the support available to families following the death of a child.
Individual needs are different, they will be met as they arise but not forced or hurried. Staff need to be flexible enabling them to meet the family’s needs, whatever they may be.
Paediatric Palliative Care Pathway -–Version 1 – November 2006 1