Hospital wards to show new symbol after a death

by Gráinne Connolly

The Southern Trust is raising awareness of a new symbol that will be displayed on its hospital wards when a patient has died. 

The Hospice Friendly Hospitals programme developed the symbol which showcases a white spiral image on a purple background.

By using it, it aims to let staff, other patients and visitors know that there may be grieving relatives in the vicinity.
 

Ann Coyle, Bereavement Co-ordinator for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust explains:

"Supporting people who are bereaved is a very important aspect of health and social care. 

"We aim to do everything we can to improve the quality care and experience for patients at the End of Life in our hospitals and support their families through this difficult time.

"We hope that the new spiral symbol will act as subtle alert to enhance the solemnity that should be observed when a patient dies. 

"We ask everyone to help us create a respectful environment if they see this symbol and to be mindful that there could be a grieving family in the area." 
 

The symbol will only be displayed with agreement from the bereaved family and will be used throughout South Tyrone, Craigavon Area, Daisy Hill and Lurgan hospitals.