New book launched to guide bereaved families

WHAT do I do if someone close to me dies?

Answers to this question are what many people search for at the most difficult of times.

'Vital for families': Gary Fox, end-of-life project manager for Care Plus Group, and Lisa Revell, strategic lead for palliative and end-of-life care, with the new booklet.

And help is now available in the style of a 32-page booklet launched to guide bereaved families.



From arranging the funeral to dealing with grief, the When Someone Dies book is designed to help improve the care people receive during this time.

The free one-stop guide has been produced by the Care Plus Group, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, St Andrew's Hospice and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

It provides comprehensive advice on what to do from the moment someone dies through to gaining support to carry on with life afterwards.

The books will be available in various places across the borough, including the library, Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, St Andrew's Hospice, GP surgeries and many more.

Lisa Revell, strategic lead for palliative and end-of-life care, said: "It is hard enough when someone you love dies, let alone finding out what you have to do.

"This booklet provides up-to-date advice and information about the practical aspects of what to do when someone dies but also provides advice on how you may feel and where to go for support.

"Death touches us all and we want to improve the care and services people receive during this difficult time.

"There is a commitment locally to improve end-of-life care through close partnership working between all the agencies."

The book contains information on what to do if someone dies at home, in hospital, in a hospice or a care home.

In the past, organisations such as St Andrew's Hospice and the hospital have supplied their own information about dealing with death.

The new book brings all that together, as research revealed people want consistent information when losing somebody.

Lisa said: "Contacts for various support services are within this one book as well as advice on what to do.

"This is the first of many initiatives we are planning in order to improve end-of-life care."

Gary Fox, end-of-life care project manager for Care Plus Group, said: "Many people come to a halt when they lose a loved one and do not know where to turn.

"This book provides almost a step by step guide from start to finish and we belive it will be vital for many families.

"Working in a partnership with other organisations helps create something which is consistent and has all the information people would need in one place.

"This is just the start and I am delighted to be involved."