Social Workers 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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- The hospital Social Worker should be immediately available to the
family at the crisis point to help them gain control in the making
of important decisions regarding spending time with their child and
telling and involving any other children.
- Reassure the family that the resolution of grief may take a long
time. Often you may be faced with intense emotions and it is very
important to enable the family to cry or otherwise express these emotions
in your presence.
- Children are also always affected by a death in the family and need
special care and attention. If contact takes place with the family
prior to the funeral, encourage them not to exclude any siblings from
the funeral ritual. Let parents know about common grief reactions
in children, which may include behavioural changes, regression, panic,
anxiety, aggression, guilt and fear. Children may even feel frightened
and guilty that their jealous thoughts caused their brother or sister
to die.
- The Social Worker should be called upon to act as a coordinator
between the hospital and community. Parents may have little financial
resources available to them to cover the funeral and burial costs
- ensure that the necessary resources are mobilised for them.
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- In the event of parents choosing to take their child home, advise
the Family Doctor and Public Health Nurse about this. Provide parents,
relatives, or family members with written instructions regarding the
care of their child at home (Appendix C).
- Ensure that parents have a copy of 'A Precious Past, A Hopeful
Future' (available from ISIDA), and that they are aware of ISIDA's
support services.
- Follow up with home visits as required.
- Ensure that the school teachers of any siblings are aware of the
child's death and liaise closely with them.
- Ensure that you are kept informed of the results of the post-mortem
and any information that the parents are given. Liaise with the Hospital
Consultant, Family Doctor and Public Health Nurse to ensure a co-ordinated
plan of support/visits to the family.
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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