Page 128 - COVID-19 Inpatient Training Resources

Document Name: Preparation of Deceased persons at Unity Health
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Developed Date: June 19 , 2020
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Updated: June 22 , 2020
Expiry Date: N/A
Distribution Approved by: IPP, Security, EVS, Access & Flow, Spiritual Care
Contact for suggestions for next version: IPP
Intended use: Unity Health Toronto - St. Joseph’s

Preparation of Deceased Persons at Unity Health- SJHC

Refer to the SJHC Clinical Guideline: Procedure Following All Death, the COVID-19: Morgue Procedure
(Unity health Toronto) – March 27, 2020 and the following additional guidelines.

Guiding Principles/Philosophy

 End of Life discussions can be very difficult; whenever possible, conversations with families in
advance of a patient’s passing will help to prepare families.
 Clinical teams can seek support from Palliative Care, Social Work or Spiritual Care team members to
assist with these conversations.
 In all instances, the primary goal is to provide a patient and family experience that is dignified and
compassionate

Prior to Death

 Confirm Next of Kin (NOK)/Executor of the Estate and note the family member with legal authority
both to contact the funeral home and to pick up any patient belongings.
 Advise the family member with legal authority to contact the funeral home (FH).
 If able, obtain FH information from family, e.g. prearrangement plans.
 Advise family to contact their particular place of worship immediately. Alternatively, they can
discuss personal, faith based or cultural practices with the funeral service provider and can be
referred to Spiritual Care for additional support.
 Make referral to Spiritual Care who will contact family to explore and facilitate any faith-based or
cultural rituals.
 Prior to shift change, identify names of patients where death can reasonably be expected.
 If no family or NOK involved, note details in the health record and contact Public Guardian and
Trustee as appropriate.
 Document in Sunrise

Death Pronouncement

 Notify Trillium Gift of Life by your routine process.
 Physician to prepare the Medical Certificate of Death (MCOD) as soon as possible
 Ensure MCOD is available to provide when FH arrives
 Note: The EDR form is no longer required or available.

Prepare Transfer to Morgue

 PPE appropriate for care of isolated COVID -19 patients should be utilized during all preparation of
the deceased patient prior to transfer from the patient room.
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