Sadly, despite our best efforts, not all our patients on Intensive Care will survive. We realise this is an extremely distressing time for relatives and friends and we want to assure you that we will do all we can to help if your loved one passes away.
In this situation, we can offer a memory box in which any items of personal significance, such as cards and locks of hair can be kept. We can also help with other keepsakes such as a handprint if this is something that you would like.
We will make sure you are given information for what happens next, with a bereavement leaflet containing contact details for the hospital bereavement service.
In addition, we aim to call you within a few days to offer our support. At this time, we will ask if you would like any further input from the wider medical and nursing team responsible for the care of your loved one. If you need to call us before this, please do not hesitate to contact us via the ICU Reception on 0117 414 1400.
Towards the end of the year, we hold an annual ICU memorial service to celebrate the lives of those that have died on our ICU. This is held in a venue close to the hospital, usually in December. All friends and family are very welcome to attend.