Written question asked by Fabian Hamilton (Labour) on Thursday, 4 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 March 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To 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.

Answer: Mr. Fabian Hamilton: To 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 Winterton: The 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 418 c1593W;418 c1595W; 159967
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Death Advisory services Health professions Funerals Bereavement counselling
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk