Launching the standards the Minister said: “For staff working within Health and Social Care, dealing with death and bereavement is a day to day reality.
“It is important that staff have the proper training and support to deal with this sensitive issue. It is equally important that people who are dying and their families are treated with dignity and respect.
“The six standards contained within this strategy will ensure that there is an integrated approach to the support of people who are dying and their families.”
Martin Bradley, Chief Nursing Officer, and Chair of the Bereavement Steering Group, said: “The principal objectives of the bereavement strategy is to improve the quality of care that we deliver in health and social care for the families, friends and carers of people who are dying.”
The Minister concluded: “I recognise the distress caused to many people across Northern Ireland by bereavement and hope that these standards will provide the maximum level of support to them at such a difficult time.”
Notes to Editors:
- On 11 December 2008, the Minister launched a public consultation on a draft strategy for health and social care bereavement services in Northern Ireland.
- Approximately 14,000-15,000 people die in Northern Ireland every year, and it is estimated that for every death, at least four relatives and friends experience the loss. This means that over 56,000 people in Northern Ireland are affected by bereavement each year.
- The document is available on to download
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