Dying in ICU



Some patients admitted to intensive care will die. This may occur suddenly with little warning or after an extended period. The staff in ICU will try to prepare the family as much as they are able however in cases of sudden critical illness this may not be possible. The ICU team will do this by explaining what is wrong with the patient, the treatment choices and the expected results. The purpose of this page is to provide family members or friends with an overview of what happens after a patient dies in intensive care. The processes involved with a Coroners case or specific religious circumstances will be explained elsewhere. Most hospitals social work or pastoral care departments or both, who are available to help families at this distressing time. Importantly if families wish to have a particular clerical person to help them this is can be done.

Viewing of the Patients Body

Under most circumstances staff will try to ensure family and friends are able to spend the time they require with the patient, both before and after death. Nominating a senior member of the immediate family to notify important people can relieve the next-of-kin from a distressing and taxing task. While the staff believe it is important for family and friends to have the time to say goodbye, this time cannot be unlimited and should be discussed. Under most circumstances relatives should be able to view a body in the hospital morgue however this will depend on individual hospital policy and availability of staff.

Care of the Patient's Body

Once the patient has died the staff will prepare the body by removing medical equipment and washing the body before putting a shroud or other clothing on the body. False teeth are usually placed in the mouth however jewellery is usually limited to a wedding ring. Some families prefer to see their relative once this has been done. After the family has finished viewing the body it is placed in a mortuary bag and taken to the hospital morgue. The body is kept here until the funeral directors, nominated by the family, come to collect the body.

Valuables

These will be returned to the family when they are finished viewing the body. If any valuables have been placed in a hospital safe the appropriate person will need to take the relevant paperwork to security or nursing administration. Relevant paper work may include proof of executor of estate, Probate, Letters of Administration or a Certificate of Grant issued by the Court and receipt of valuables. This usually needs to take place during working hours.

Funeral Directors

Normally the family notify the funeral director within a few days of the death, and make decisions about the funeral service. Social workers can help with this if required.

Death and cremation certificates

These will be written by the doctors and held by the medical administration of the hospital and morgue. They are released to the funeral director when they come to collect the body. By law, death and cremation certificates cannot be written by hospital staff if the Coroner is involved

What next?

A number of families have unanswered questions or concerns regarding the last hours or days of a patient's life. If you have these you may wish to discuss them with:

  • your general practitioner (GP) if there are general questions
  • the intensive care staff if there are questions concerning treatment in ICU
  • the surgeon or physician if there are questions concerning operations or treatment
  • other hospital staff such as patient liaison officer or Director of Nursing where there are questions or concerns regarding care or treatment in other areas of the hospital.