- Families should be informed about what is likely to happen when the patient is close to death e.g. ‘rattly chest’ erratic breathing, less need for fluids, skin becomes discoloured etc.
- Should continue to be explicit about which treatments will and will not be given and why.
- Find out whether the family would want a night call if the patient dies in the night-and document this in the notes.
- Explore whether the family want there to be a family member present at all times-some families like to have a ‘rota’ system so that there is always someone there. Note this needs to be balanced against the need for families to have respite and rest.
- The medical team should continue to include the patient in the ward round and talk to the family regularly even if these updates are very short.
- If family are present at the time of death, explain that it is OK for them to hold the person’s hand or talk to them as they die. It’s OK and sometimes desirable for them to be present when a doctor certifies death.
- Chaplaincy services can be contacted if relatives request this or if they are very distressed and want to talk to someone not involved in the medical or nursing care.
Page last reviewed: 16 Jan 2023
