Bereavement Officer Chelmsford, England
Job description
Here is an opportunity for you to join us as a Bereavement Officer.
You will be expected to work with all grades of medical, nursing and chaplaincy staff to assist the smooth running of the bereavement office in accordance with national and hospital guidelines for the care of the bereaved and the medical certification of deceased patients.
You will assist in the day to day running of the service alongside the Medical Examiners Officers (MEO’s) and will ensure processes are adhered to and that the organizational needs with regard to bereavement are met in a timely manner.
You will assist service delivery, in the absence of the Medical Examiners Officers and provide robust guidance to those using the service.
If you are interested in the role and believe you hold the qualities we require, then apply today!
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assist in the day-to-day running of the office and provide guidance to those using the service.
2. Undertake all administrative duties associated with the service, to support the organizations ME’s and MEO’s.
3. Liaise with medical staff with regard to the completion of cause of death certificates.
4. Maintain accurate and concise record of the deceased patient, using the team’s electronic database - Eden.
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5. Liaise with ward staff and teams in the event of any issues arising regarding patient property and medical case notes.
6. Maintain accurate and concise records of patient’s death and to ensure that all relevant health care agencies receive accurate and prompt notification of the patient’s death.
7. Ensure notification of death letters are sent to the deceased’s GP on the day the certificates are completed.
8. Ensure that all wards and critical care areas have adequate information and resources for the newly bereaved.
9. Liaise with MEO’s and arrange and support mortuary viewings for deceased patients families (in extenuating circumstances)
10. Assist in the facilitation of documentation for Public Health Funerals, with the local councils, where families are unable to pay for funerals/where there is no next of kin.
11. Raise procurement orders for the team in relation to stationery and study days etc.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people.
We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook – if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.
We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description, but some of the responsibilities include
- To follow guidance escalating any complex or contentious issues at an appropriate time to senior or MEO colleagues as required.
- Work with colleagues in the Mortuary team to arrange viewings for families of deceased patients (in extenuating circumstances)
- Provide advice and guidance to families as required should they wish to raise concerns / complaints.
- In line with service model support and complete the organisation’s Bereavement Survey collating comments as directed
- Regularly attend Wards and Departments to ensure that supplies of relevant documentation is in good supply and available when needed. May also be required to collect and deliver patient records to support families.
