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infection prevention and control precautions. · Offer those close to the deceased person the chance to spend time with them, preferably no more than two at a time (though this is at local discretion). Relatives and friends should be advised to wear PPE in accordance with local guidance and protocol. Even when a death occurs during the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5), it is neither appropriate nor practical to try to prevent all physical contact between visitors or with the deceased person. Advise mourners discreetly that they should preferably not kiss the deceased person and should wash their hands after touching them. · Swabbing for COVID-19 is needed only in specific circumstances and when there is likely to be a post-mortem (see section 7). · Put two forms of identification on the deceased person, according to local policy. · The deceased person is now ready to be prepared for transfer to a mortuary, funeral home or other location, as required. See section 3.1 for more information. 8 3.1 Transferring the deceased person to a mortuary, funeral home or other location This section offers guidance about transferring the body of a deceased person. For related information for funeral directors, see section 8. For information about practical end-of-life care resources, such as the End-of-Life symbol and drapes, see section 11. Standard operating procedures apply if the person’s death was not related to COVID-19 or if they died outside the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5). If the person died during the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5): · After any relatives and friends have left, place the person in a body bag. · Wipe the body bag with disinfectant before transfer to a mortuary trolley. · To carry out these tasks, wear a long-sleeved gown, gloves, a FFP2 or surgical face mask and eye protection, discarding the PPE afterwards according to standard procedures. · Whilst transferring the deceased person on a trolley or in a coffin, wear a facemask. No other PPE is needed. 3.2 Care of the deceased person in a mortuary Care of the deceased person in the mortuary should follow normal practice to the greatest possible extent. Standard operating procedures apply if the person’s death was not related to COVID-19 or if they died outside the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5). If the person died during the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5) and has already been placed in a body bag (inner lining) follow standard procedures. If the person died during the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5) and has not yet been placed in a body bag (inner lining), wear appropriate PPE (gloves, gown and FFP2 or surgical mask, eye protection) when handling the person’s body. Once the deceased person is placed in a trolley or coffin for transfer there is no need for specific PPE, other than a facemask (see section 3.1). Disinfect trolleys after use (see section 2.1). For information about viewing the deceased person, see section 8.3. 9 4. Care of the deceased person’s personal possessions The personal possessions of the deceased person are part of the memories and experiences of those who were close to them. How they are handed over to relatives and friends is an important reflection of the care and respect shown to the deceased person. See section 11 for information about available End-of-Life resources, such as a keepsake pouch and a family handover bag. Standard operating procedures apply if the person’s death was not related to COVID-19 or if they died outside the infectious stages of COVID-19 (see page 5). If the person died during the infectious stage of COVID-19 (see page 5): · Those personal possessions which are not going to be buried or cremated with the person should be removed as soon as possible after death. · Clean jewellery, watches and items like photo frames with a disinfectant wipe. Jewellery can also be washed in hot soapy water, then rinsed and dried with disposable paper towels. · Wash machine-washable clothing and soft toys at hottest setting that the fabric can withstand. · If the death took place in a hospital, nursing home or similar: o Put items for machine washing in an alginate bag. o Put items for hand-washing into a plastic bag and wait for 72 hours before washing. o Put books and other items which cannot be wiped into a plastic bag and wait for 72 hours before handling. o Put items which are to be discarded into the clinical waste. o Following the steps above, small personal items such as jewellery or a watch can be placed in a keepsake pouch and all other items can be placed in a family handover bag (see section 11). o Explain necessary infection control precautions when giving the deceased person’s belongings to their relatives or friends. Ideally, give written information as well as explaining verbally. · In domestic settings, put items which are to be discarded into a plastic bag and leave them for 72 hours before putting them out for waste collection. 10 5. Pronouncement of death For formal pronouncement of death: · If the death occurs in a hospital, contact a member of the medical team caring for the person. · If the death occurs in a nursing home or community nursing unit an appropriately trained registered nurse can pronounce the death. The nurse must be satisfied that death has occurred and that a record has been made as evidence of verification of death. Visit =33357762 for more
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