The Hospital Team can avail of up-to-date information and advice
on the procedures required and practical guidelines to assist
them in supporting the family involved by phoning the
'Information Hotline for Professionals'
at
087-423777
(available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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- Arrange for the designated staff member, if possible, to visit the
family home around the time, and in the aftermath, of the funeral.
Be particularly aware of the needs siblings may have.
- Notify parents when preliminary post-mortem results are available.
If there are delays, advise the parents immediately of the delay and
the reason for it.
- Offer the family an early appointment to meet and discuss the post-mortem
details on both occasions.
- Ensure that the Designated Nurse (or another nurse who is fully
aware of the facts about SIDS) is present at these meetings. Avoid
multiple staff nurse members becoming involved.
- Advise the Family Doctor, Superintendent Public Health Nurse and
hospital Social Worker of these meetings. Request the Social Worker
to be available for these meetings or to meet the parents and family
immediately afterwards, if they so wish.
- Outline to the parents/family the procedure involved in acquiring
a death certificate.
- Following consultation with the Coroner, provide the Family Doctor
with a copy of the post-mortem report.
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Remember that the sudden death of an infant or young child normally
affects all who come into contact with it. If you feel that
you would like to talk to someone, ISIDA provides a confidential
Nationwide Helpline 1800 391 391
where you can contact someone who understands and is willing
to listen - you do not have to be a parent or relative.
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