GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES
14 April 2020
One sad consequence of the COVID-19 epidemic is an inevitable marked increase in the number of deaths within families across Coventry & Warwickshire.
Unfortunately, the grief experienced by those families is made much worse by Government-imposed measures regarding how the death of a loved one must be managed and how funerals must be conducted during these unprecedented times.
Dedicated staff at our hospitals and local authorities stand ready to provide the best possible care and support to all those families affected by a COVID-19-related death.
If you have lost a loved one as a result of COVID-19 please accept our most sincere condolences.
The following seeks to provide information and guidance for bereaved families in Coventry & Warwickshire.
SAYING GOODBYE
Sadly, due to the paramount importance of controlling the spread of COVID-19, it is not possible for families and loved ones of the very ill to visit in person. It IS possible for conversations to take place between patients and family via video applications such as Skype or FaceTime. Staff in hospitals and care homes are on hand to provide as much support as is needed.
VISITING A DECEASED FAMILY MEMBER IN HOSPITAL
Due to the importance of infection control, it is currently not possible for anyone to view a loved one in the hospital after they have passed away. Hospitals and care homes will liaise directly with you and your nominated funeral director to arrange next steps.
REGISTERING A DEATH
Currently, in ALL areas of the UK, registering a death can only be carried out via a telephone service.
A copy of the ‘Medical Certificate of Cause of Death’ will be automatically forwarded by the deceased’s hospital or care home to their local authority, along with next of kin details.
The local authority will then be in touch with next of kin to arrange the telephone registration.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Coping with loss can be extremely difficult, particularly during this time.
You or other members of your family and friends may find it useful to have someone to talk to who is not an immediate family member or close friend. Hospitals and care homes have access to trained volunteers who are able to speak to you on the phone and offer support. This might be particularly useful for elderly people living alone who may be lonely or isolated, but is open to all
To find out more about these services, speak to a member of staff at the hospital or care home where your loved one passed away.
FUNERALS & CREMATIONS
COVENTRY
In light of the current situation around COVID-19 and Government advice on social distancing, Coventry City Council has imposed restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend burials and cremations.
There is now a limit of five family members allowed to attend services.
This decision has been taken in line with the latest Government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect family members, clergy, funeral directors and Council staff.
Family members may ‘live stream’ the service via tablets or mobile phones.
Coventry Bereavement Services will support you and your family when planning a funeral either for burial or cremation.
Staff are highly trained, conscientious and caring and will take as much time as is needed to make sure families are looked after at such a difficult time.
To speak to a member of staff email bereavement.services@coventry.gov.uk or call 024 7678 5486.
To find out more about funerals and cremations in Coventry visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/deaths
WARWICKSHIRE
In response to the current, fast-moving and serious situation around COVID-19, Warwickshire County Council is reviewing the bereavement services it currently offers.
All death registration appointments will be conducted by telephone.
If the death occurred in the community or a care home, telephone appointments need to be booked by next of kin online or by calling 0300 555 0255.
If the death occurred in George Eliot (Nuneaton), Warwick or St Cross (Rugby) Hospital, the hospital bereavement teams will forward details to the local authority and Registrars will contact next of kin directly. In these circumstances, an appointment is not needed.
Paperwork will be emailed directly from the Registration Services to the chosen funeral director.
You will be advised during the telephone appointment how to obtain death certificates.
To learn more about funerals and cremations in Warwickshire, click here
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Coventry & Warwickshire Integrated Care System comprises University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (UHCW), South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT),Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT), George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, South Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, Warwickshire North Integrated Care Board, Coventry & Rugby Integrated Care Board, Coventry City Council & Warwickshire County Council
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