Certifying Death

Confirming death:

1. Identify the patient.
2. Check for response to painful stimuli.
3. Check if pupils are fixed, dilated and unresponsive to light.
4. Look, listen and feel for breath sounds and respiratory effort for 2 minutes.
5. Look, listen and feel for central pulse and heart sounds for 2 minutes.

Documenting death:

“Asked to see patient to confirm death. Ward staff informed me that the patient died at [time] am/pm on [date].  Patient identified by wrist band. No response to painful stimuli. Pupils unreactive to light. No respiratory effort/ breath sounds for 2 minutes. No central pulse/ heart sounds for 2 minutes. Death confirmed at [time] am/pm on [date].” Ensure you document your name, grade, bleep number and GMC number.

Completing the death certificate and cremation form:

Death certificates and cremation forms are completed in the Bereavement Office, which is located opposite the main reception desk at the Huntsman Entrance on D Floor of NGH. The mortuary is on the Vickers Corridor on E Floor, and there are maps in the Bereavement Office that will show you how to find it. Cause of death should ideally be discussed with the consultant caring for the patient. There is also usually a medical examiner available who can review the patient records and recommend a cause of death.

Location of bereavement office:

NGH: Huntsman C Floor
RHH: B floor opposite cashier’s office
WPH: see RHH
Jessops: 1st floor Jessops Wing