Palliative Care
in Dumfries and Galloway
Staff Area
What happens after someone has died?
After a death, there are a number of formal processes to be enacted, including confirmation of death, a medical certificate of cause of death, and in some cases, discussion with the Procurator Fiscal and a Post Mortum. Families or friends have a lot of steps to take – the “what should I do after someone has died” area on the public pages gives guidance produced by the Scottish Government.
What is bereavement?
Bereavement is a normal process of grieving after loss.
When does grief become complicated?
“Complex” grief is when a bereavement has a serious and profound detrimental effect on a persons physical or psychological health. Most research defines this as a period after 6 months.
What support is available in Dumfries and Galloway?
Although there is no formal NHS bereavement service available, there are a number of charities who provide bereavement support (see the resources at the side of this page). If patients are particularly struggling and need specialist help, signpost them to their GP, the spiritual care team or speak to the Specialist Palliative Care Team.
A bereavement charity with offices in Dumfries
The UKs signposting website for the bereaved