§ Mr. Fabian HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to encourage a co-ordinated approach to bereavement services within his Department. [159966]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonA three year training and development strategy was started in 2003 to enable clinical and other staff to manage bereavement well. This required additional funding of £2.7 million per year paid directly to trusts. An additional £300,000 is spent each year by the Department over the three year period for the central preparation of professional standards, training tools and materials to be used by trusts. Joint protocols have been developed between the national health service and coroners to train staff in procedures for obtaining consent for post mortem examinations and for provision of support at the time of death.
§ Mr. Fabian HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether NHS hospitals have staff specially allocated to provide the newly bereaved with sound information on existing laws and procedures so that they can be supported in making quick decisions about funerals. [159967]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe provision of bereavement counselling services within the national health service trusts is a requirement set by the Chief Medical Officer as part of his recommendations following the Alder Hay Inquiry. Families have the right to be provided with sensitive support and advice from NHS trusts at the time of bereavement, responsive to different religious and cultural beliefs. In order to meet this requirement, a three year training and development programme for all trusts was started in 2003. A survey of all trusts will be undertaken in April 2004 to establish the level of support currently in place.