In May our wards and departments took over sending out bereavement cards to the next of kin of patients that sadly die on their ward. Our End of Life Care Team (EOLC) wanted to say a big thank you to all of those areas sending out the cards.

Around half of next of kin now receive a bereavement card after their loved one has died. End of Life Care Facilitator, Gill Sykes, said: "This is a great start and a huge thank you to the many ward clerks who have really led the way and embraced their role in ensuring that as many bereavement cards as possible are sent out."

Some of our ward clerks at HRI were asked why it's important to them that cards are sent.

Respiratory ward clerks, Pamela Hoyle and Sam Marshall, said: "Carrying on the compassionate care for our patients' families and friends is important to us. The families are always in our thoughts after a bereavement. It’s an important job to express our thoughts in sending our condolences by cards."

Ward 20's Ward Clerk, Jenny Coates, said: "Once a patient has died, I send a bereavement card straight away. This kind gesture shows we still care for the family and friends throughout the patient’s journey."

Ward 18 Ward Clerk, Joshua Pickering, said: "I follow the checklist the nurses have completed at the time of a death and post a card straight away. Our ward manager Gabby writes the cards (she has the neatest handwriting). We still show compassion to the family and friends, plus the information written inside the cards gives them the opportunity to contact the ward if needed, so any questions or concerns can be dealt with."

If you need any support in sending out the cards or adding that you have sent a card to EPR, please get in touch with the EOLC team who will be happy to help: eolcteam@cht.nhs.uk or 01484 342180.

The bags and cards have been kindly funded by our NHS Charity.