11th May 2026
Grace Hamilton, Executive Director Nursing is pictured with right Laura Creaney, Southern Trust Bereavement Coordinator
Following Dying Matters Week, the Royal College of Nursing has launched regional guidance for Nurses and Midwives, developed by the NI Bereavement Network: Care of the Deceased Adult in Hospital and Those Important to Them – A Guideline for Nursing and Midwifery Practice in Northern Ireland.
https://bereaved.hscni.net/for-professionals/bereavement-education-and-training/
This document represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the care provided at the end of life remains both compassionate and respectful, acknowledging the emotional and cultural importance of every individual’s journey through bereavement.
Nursing and Midwifery, at their core, are about care – care for our patients, their families, and the wider community. Nursing and Midwifery practice extends beyond providing care at the end of life to include the delivery of safe, sensitive, and high-quality care for the deceased person at the time of and after death, taking into consideration the wishes of the deceased and their family. In this context, nurses and midwives play a vital role in upholding dignity and respect, helping families and loved ones navigate a challenging transition. 
Underpinned by key strategies and professional standards across Health and Social Care (HSC) services, these guidelines are designed to inform practice, strengthen collaborative working, and support continuous professional development.
This guidance promotes:
- Respect for individual wishes, beliefs and cultural practices
- Clear and consistent clinical standards
- Effective communication with families and the wider multidisciplinary team
- Support for Nurses and Midwives undertaking this essential aspect of care
It is designed to be practical, accessible and adaptable – supporting Nurses and Midwives whether they are newly qualified or highly experienced.
Laura Creaney, Trust Bereavement Coordinator, Southern Trust said “This guidance aims to support nursing and midwifery staff in enhancing their practice when caring for the deceased adult and those important to them, through compassionate, dignified, and patient-centred care. The launch of this guidance is welcomed by the Southern Trust as a positive step in promoting high standards of care and support”.
Grace Hamilton, Executive Director of Nursing said: “This guidance represents an important development in strengthening the quality and consistency of care we provide at one of life’s most sensitive and significant moments. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect and compassion after death, while also recognising the needs of those important to them.
It is vital that our nursing and midwifery workforce feel supported and confident in delivering this aspect of care, and this guidance provides a clear, evidence-informed framework to do so. By promoting collaboration, cultural awareness and professional excellence, we can continue to improve the experience for families and uphold the highest standards of practice across our services.”