Bereavement Services
Our Bereavement Care Service offers confidential support for anyone who has experienced the death of a close relative or friend at our Trust.
The death of an adult family member or friend may bring about distressing and sometimes unexpected emotions. Grieving can often start at the time of death, but for some people this starts at the time of a diagnosis. Grief is a normal process following a bereavement and can affect you in different ways – whether emotionally, physically, socially and in many practical areas of life.
Bereavement Survey
At Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS trust we recognise the importance of monitoring the quality of the care we give to our patients in the final phase of their life. If your loved one has died at our Trust, and you feel ready to share your experience please click here to complete our bereavement survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/swbBereavement
Meet our Bereavement Care team below. They are available to speak to you should you have an queries about the death of a loved one, whilst in our care.
Angie Jones, Bereavement Care Coordinator
Sue Edwards, Bereavement Specialist Nurse
Who are medical examiners?
Since 2019, senior NHS doctors from a range of specialties, including general practice, have had the opportunity to undertake specialist training to work as a medical examiner (ME). Their role is to scrutinise medical records and provide independent advice to doctors with regards to causes of deaths for all patients who die within acute hospitals – except those deaths which will be reviewed by a coroner. Medical examiners are also supported by officers. Either will contact the next of kin of the deceased patients to discuss the cause of death and answer any questions the bereaved families may have in regards to the care their loved one received.
Medical examiners seek to answer three questions:
- What caused the death of the deceased?
- Does the coroner need to be notified of the death?
- Was the care before death appropriate?
Patient Information
Please see our booklets – Help for the bereaved: A practical guide below. Additional information about changes that have occurred during the coronavirus pandemic are also below.
Below are links to information which will help you make important decisions during this sensitive time.
Sandwell General Hospital Bereavement Booklet
COVID-19 – Sandwell
City Hospital Bereavement Booklet
COVID–19 – City
You can find details of other organisations that may be able to offer further guidance and support in our Bereavement Support Directory.
Additional patient leaflets
The loss of your baby ML6634
Taking your baby home
Many people find the help of family and friends is enough to support them through the experience of bereavement, however sometimes it can be beneficial to talk with someone who is outside the family circle.
Our team will contact you by telephone following your loss to offer emotional support and guidance. You may also contact us directly via telephone or email if immediate support is needed.
Telephone: 0121 507 3216 (Monday – Friday 8am-4pm)
Email: swbh@bereavementcare.nhs.net
For queries with regards registering a death please call our CARES offices:
Sandwell General Hospital: 0121 507 3464
City Hospital: 0121 507 4368