Care after death: practical procedures
No treatments should be stopped until the person has been verified by a doctor or competently trained registered nurse / advanced clinical practitioner.
What to do after a patient has died: standard operating procedure for care after death
The flow chart to guide practice is available in the blue ‘Care after Death’ box on every adult ward including the emergency department.
What to do after a patient has died, out of the ward area in hospital
The site co-ordinator and mortuary can be contacted for advice. It may be more appropriate and dignified for the deceased person to be transferred directky to the mortuary viewing room to perform personal cares.
Removal of lines/drains
If a death is sudden or unexpected or you are made aware by medical staff that referral to the Coroner is likely:
• Invasive lines and drains should be left in situ, but must be capped or clamped off and catheters should be spigotted.
• Endotracheal (ET) tubes should be left in situ.
If the death was expected then it is acceptable to remove invasive lines and drains.
