SUPPORT AROUND DEATH

Support Around Death

This NHS Education for Scotland website aims to support health and social care staff who are working with patients, carers and families before, at, and after death. It provides key information on the clinical, legislative, and practical issues involved.

NES materials on this site are available in alternative formats and community languages please email SupportAroundDeath@nes.scot.nhs.uk to discuss how we can best meet your requirements

Before death

At/After death

Bereavement

Video Wall

If you are a patient, relative or carer looking for information on end of life or bereavement care, please visit:

Latest news

27/08/25

Submit your Poster Abstract Submissions

Call for Poster Abstract Submissions for the 2025 NES Bereavement Education Conference. Deadline Monday 8th September 12pm find out more here

26/08/25

Talking about Bereavement Podcast

Exploring bereavement in rural & island communities with Jenna Gettings, Advanced District Nurse/Clinical Lead for Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross.

20/08/25

Summer Edition of the GPN Journal

The Summer Edition of the GPN Journal has now been published & we are proud to share that we are among the contributors. Click here

04/08/25

Talking about Bereavement Podcast

Lynne Innes talks to Angela Park, Fertility Counsellor, NHS Grampian, who discusses supporting people through infertility related loss and bereavement

31/07/25

Bereavement Summer e-Newsletter

Latest e-Newsletter now available! Click here to read the latest news, including the launch of our newest resources and info on upcoming events.

31/07/25

NES Bereavement Conference 2025

Registration is now open for the upcoming virtual NES Bereavement Education Conference - Bereavement as a Kaleidoscope: An Inclusive Approach for All

30/07/25

SPPC Annual Conference

The 2025 Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care Annual Conference will take place on the 12 November in Edinburgh. To find out more click here

25/07/25

National Wellbeing Week 1-7 September

Join Our Session: Creating a Supportive Culture and Gaining Confidence in Dealing with Bereavement at Work, Wednesday 3rd September, click here

View all news

NES 'Talking about Bereavement' Podcast Series

In this episode, Dr Clare Tucker talks to Jenna Gettings, Advanced District Nurse / Clinical Lead for Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross, NHS Highland who shares unique perspectives on supporting bereavement in remote, rural and island communities.

You can listen to the episode on Spotify or on the Podcast Page.

A transcript for this podcast can be found here.

Short Educational Animations

This animation is one example of the short educational videos NES have produced for health and social care professionals around bereavement - please visit our video wall to see more.

Discussing dying is something most of us shy away from. The potential discomfort is not just in the patient’s mind - it’s also likely to be in the minds of the professionals who are looking after them. This NES video aims to help healthcare professionals discuss dying openly and honestly with their patients.

Two downloadable leaflets which accompany the video can be found here: summary leaflet and detailed leaflet.

Site Guide

Before Death

This section covers information regarding end of life care, patient and family support, CPR decisions and organ donation.

Before Death

At/After Death

Focused on the completion of Medical Certificates of Cause of Death, but also covers confirmation of death, post mortems and involvement of the procurator fiscal.

At/After Death