P51 - Verification of Adult Death Policy
When a person dies, a number of steps need to be completed to allow legal registration of the death and for a funeral to take place:
1. Confirmation of the fact of death.
2. Certification of the medical cause of death or referral to the Coroner.
3. Registration of the Death. Obtaining a burial or cremation order.
The aim of this policy is to provide a framework for the timely verification of adult deaths by competent registered clinicians. It will enable staff to care appropriately for the deceased and minimise distress for families and carers following a death. Timely verification – within one hour in a hospital setting and within four hours in a community setting – is an important stage in the grieving process for relatives and carers and also a key time for support (Wilson et al, 2017).
Policy Categories
- Clinical
