Harrogate & District Staff QR Codes - Transfer of the deceased to the Mortuary

NHS Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust

Guidance for HDFT Staff on Care after Death Transfer of the deceased to the Mortuary Mortuary identification requirements • Death must have been verified and documented in the Hospital electronic patient record “Verification of Death” by either a Doctor or a competent health professional prior to transfer to the mortuary department.

• Two ID bands.

• Complete Mortuary Transfer Sheet (attached to the deceased prior to removing the body from the clinical area).

• Any remaining jewellery must be noted on the transfer sheet.

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The nurse who signs the transfer sheet is responsible for ensuring that the two ID bands and the transfer sheet are correct.

• The porters collecting the deceased should check the details of the wristbands and sign the transfer sheet before removing the body from the ward.

• A body bag (available through the porters) should be used if the patient has a notifiable disease or fluid leakage not managed by padding. Attach ‘high risk’ label. PPE requirements should be followed.

• When a deceased patient is being transferred to the Mortuary, it must be done discreetly, in a respectful manner, maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.

In rare cases, families may request to accompany the deceased to the Mortuary. Refer to HDFT SOP Allowing a Relative to Accompany a Deceased patient to the Mortuary via the Chapel on PolicyStat.

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