Mortuary – Viewing of Deceased by Family Members
In the event of a death of a patient while family and friends are grappling with the reality of what has happened, there is often a strong need to see the body of the person who has died and to hold or touch the person.
Viewing on the Ward
Where possible time with the deceased should be made available on the ward, ICU, Emergency etc, where medical, nursing, social work and pastoral support is available to family members and information relating to the death can be provided by those involved in the care of the deceased. In most circumstances there are no issues relating to delays in transfer of deceased to the Mortuary due to accommodation of viewings on the ward.
Viewing in the Mortuary
Viewing of deceased by friends and relatives in the Mortuary Viewing room is not encouraged.
However, if this is unavoidable, the mortuary attendant must be contacted (telephone 907 62684) to make arrangements for the viewing to occur in the Mortuary. A minimum notice of 30 minutes is required.
Mortuary staff assisted viewings are only available between 09:30 am and 3:00 pm Monday to Friday.
Outside of these hours viewings must be arranged with the after hours Clinical Coordinator (telephone 907 62500)
When wards are notified that the Mortuary viewing room has been prepared, relatives must be accompanied by a Social Worker, Nurse or Doctor who are to remain to support family members while the viewing takes place.
Under no circumstances should relatives be taken to the Anatomical Pathology Unit without prior arrangements having been made.
Under no circumstances should relatives be directed to the Mortuary without being accompanied by a Social Worker, Nurse or Doctor.
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