Post-Mortem Examination of a Child
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Summary
1. If organs are not to be retained, section 2 must be scored through.
2. One copy of the completed form should be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s), one copy retained in the patient record and a copy given to the pathologist who will perform the post-mortem examination that has been authorised.
3. Information leaflet(s) should also be provided to the parent(s)/guardian(s), and a note of which version of leaflet was given retained in the patient record.
4. If any part of the authorisation is withdrawn within the time limit agreed, all copies of the form should be amended with the date the authorisations are withdrawn and a clear statement who is amending the record and on what evidence, e.g. letter, telephone conversation, etc.
5. If any procedures or uses of material are envisaged which are not pre-printed on this form, separate authorisation MUST be obtained for these and recorded in section 7.
6. If any extra tissue is to be taken at post-mortem examination for use in research, specific authorisation for this, and for its use in that research project, must be obtained (using a separate form).
Basic Information Leaflet
Further Information Leaflet
Authorisation for the Hospital Post-Mortem Examination of a Child
Notes
The post-mortem examination is an important medical examination to find the cause of your child's death.
Ideally the post-mortem examination should take place within a day or two of death.
Your child's face, hands and feet are not affected by the post-mortem examination.
You should be able to see and hold your child again after the post-mortem examination.
Hospital staff or funeral directors can take pictures of your child if you wish.
The final results of the examination will usually be available in 21 days and a copy is sent to your general practitioner. You can request a copy of the report.
Whole organs will only be kept if we have your permission.
If you do not wish a full post-mortem examination, talk to your doctor about other tests that may be done.
Ask as many questions as you wish.
Support
Association for Children with Heart Disorders
A support group run by families and friends of cardiac children for families with, or who have had, children with heart disorders.
Association for Children with Heart Disorders
3 Alva Place
Lenzie
Glasgow
G66 5NQ
Tel: 0141 775 1602
Website: www.achd.org.uk
SANDS
Provides support for bereaved parents when their baby dies before, during or soon after birth.
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society
20 Golf Gardens
Larkhall
ML9 2TQ
Tel: 01698 883857
Website: www.uk-sands.org .
Scottish Cot Death Trust
Provides help and support to parents following the death of a child. The Trust has a wide national network if befrienders _ parents who have suffered a cot death in the past and who are now willing to provide comfort and encouragement to newly bereaved parents.
Scottish Cot Death Trust
Royal Hospital for Sick Children
Yorkhill
Glasgow
G3 8SJ
Tel: 0141 357 3946
Website: www.sidscotland.org.uk
SORRO
Set up by parents and relatives, offering support nationally.
Scottish Organisation Relating to the Retention of Organs
20 Pinmore Place
New Hurlet
Glasgow
G53 7PS
Tel: 0141 881 5824
Cruse
Offers support to all bereaved people.
National Helpline: 0870 167 1677
Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Samaritans
Provides confidential emotional support for anyone in crisis.
National Helpline: 0845 790 90 90
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk