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but instead to travel by themselves or with people from their household. · Discreetly discourage mourners from carrying the coffin, as it requires 4-6 people to stand close together. · Burial of bodies in shrouds is permitted. Those handling the deceased person should wash their hands afterwards. · Gently discourage mourners from physical contact, such as hugging and shaking hands to offer condolences. Ensure that hand sanitiser is available for people who do make physical contact. 8.5 Cremation Cremation is not required for infection prevention and control during the pandemic but can continue as usual. If the death of the person to be cremated was related to COVID-19, the coroner will provide a completed Form D, and a Form C will not be required. In all other cases, standard procedures apply. For information on removing implantable cardiac devices before cremation, see section 8.2.2. 9. Bereavement support Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of life’s biggest challenges. The conditions and restrictions of the pandemic make it even more important than usual to ensure that surviving relatives and friends receive quality information and support. Available resources include: · “A Guide for the Bereaved during the COVID-19 Pandemic”, a Government publication, aims to provide clear advice for bereaved people between the time a death occurs up to the burial or cremation. You can access it at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f43301-covid-19-coronavirus-a-guide-for-thebereaved/. · The Citizens Information website provides practical resources for bereaved people, as well as information about bereavement counselling and support. You can access it at https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/death/. · Irish Hospice Foundation operates a bereavement support phone line for people experiencing grief and loss. Run in partnership with the HSE, the line is available 18 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, on Freephone 1800 80 70 77. The service is open to people who: o have been recently bereaved, whether or not COVID-19 was the cause of death o are concerned about somebody else who has been bereaved o find that a previous bereavement feels more difficult at this time o want to ensure that their employer or other organisation offers appropriate support to bereaved colleagues. You can find out more about the Bereavement Support Line on https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-losshub/bereavement-support-line/. · “Planning a funeral in exceptional times”, and many other resources for people who are bereaved, including some specific to grief and loss during the pandemic, are available on the Irish Hospice Foundation’s website at https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/grievingduring-covid-19 · Local resources and information may also be available. 10. Support for staff involved in the care of deceased people Caring for deceased people, and supporting those who are bereaved, can be rewarding but it can also be emotionally challenging, especially during the pandemic. It is normal for staff to experience grief in relation to the people that they care for, so providing appropriate support is important. Information and support for staff who feel affected or experience changes in their own mental health includes: · HSE Guidance for Staff on Minding Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak · Local HSE Psychosocial Response supports, including: o a Psychological First Aid Call Back Service for healthcare workers, and some targeted groups of the public, who may be feeling stressed or anxious about the impact of COVID-19 o trained psychosocial responders who can provide a brief telephone contact to help callers to cope with daily challenges. For information on the support available in your local area see https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/psychosocialresponse-group/. · The HSE Employee Assistance Programme provides access to counsellors and therapists. You can apply yourself or by referral through your manager or HSE Occupational Health services. · Healthy Ireland’s “Keep Well” campaign offers advice on how everyone can mind their physical and mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic through small 19 changes to their daily and weekly routines. It is available at . · For information on how to support staff who are grieving see https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/grievingduring-covid-19/supporting-bereaved-staff-during-covid-19/ . · The Irish Hospice Foundation’s “Toolkit for Compassionate End-of-Life Care” includes information on self-care for teams and individuals who work in end-of-life services. It is available at https://hospicefoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IHFToolkit-for-compassionate-end-of-life-care.pdf. · The Irish Hospice Foundation’s bereavement support phone line for people experiencing grief and loss, run in partnership with the HSE, is open to staff as well as members of the public. The line is available 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, on Freephone 1800 80 70 77. · Your workplace may also offer support services. Contact your manager or occupational health department for information. 20 11. Practical resources for respectful end-of-life care in hospitals and community
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