Webwatch – Health and Social Care Bereavement Network

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, has launched the new Health and Social Care (HSC) Bereavement Network website for those who care for and support dying people and their loved ones.

This new website consists of information and guidance for HSC professionals and services responsible for care and support around the time of, and after death.

The Minister said: “Sadly, each of us will be faced by the loss of a loved one at some time in our lives. Each loss leaves behind grieving families and friends, therefore compassionate, effective support frameworks should be in place to help them.”

The aim of the website is to support staff to deliver a person-centred, high-quality, consistent approach to care of individuals and their families at this very difficult time.

The Minister added: “I feel strongly that the Health and Social Care sector should do its utmost to support and help all those in this situation, and I am confident that the introduction of this new website will go a long way to improve the experiences of everyone affected by the death of a loved one, whether this happens suddenly or, in the latter days of his or her life.”

The Minister went onto acknowledge that, while the standard of bereavement care and support for people who are close to death and their loved ones is high, there is always room for improvement.

He said: “Raising awareness and understanding of palliative and end of life care, including the need for support for families and carers into bereavement, is vital if we are to raise standards of care. I believe that this website will play an important role in supporting this.”

The launch was attended by representatives from across the HSC, members of the HSC Bereavement Network, Bereavement Forum, Bereavement Coordinators, representatives from the statutory/voluntary sector, and other bereaved parents’ support groups.

Visit the Bereavement Network Website.