Care after death
After someone has died close family and friends will have the
opportunity to spend some time with the patient if they wish to do
so. The ward staff will provide personal care for the deceased
before the body is transferred to the hospital mortuary.
University Hospitals Bristol Main Site
Following a death, the ward staff will ask you to make contact
with the Patient Affairs office on 0117 342 9048/9049
after 10am. The office is open until 4pm every weekday. The team
will be able to give you further information and assistance
regarding the practical arrangements that will have to be
undertaken in the days that follow a death. You will be offered a
booklet called 'Following a Bereavement' by either the ward staff
or the Patient Affairs office that contains further guidance.
Alternatively, you can download the information here.
Some relatives wish to visit their loved one in the mortuary.
Within office hours this can be arranged by contacting the Patient
Affairs office. Out of hours please ring the hospital switchboard
on 0117 923 0000 and ask to speak to a member of the mortuary
team.
St Michael's Hospital
If your relative has died at St Michael's Hospital, please call
ward 78 on 0117 342 7789 to speak to a member of staff about
collecting the death certificate or to obtain further
information.
South Bristol Community Hospital
Patients that die at South Bristol Community
Hospital are transferred directly from the ward to the
funeral directors. To arrange to collect the death certificate from
the hospital or for further information please call the Patient
Affairs Officer after 12 midday on 0117 342 9836. (Office Hours;
Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm). If you are ringing outside these
hours please call the hospital switchboard on 0117 964 3300 and ask
to be put into contact with the senior nurse for the hospital
on bleep 2109.
