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

27/08/26

Talking about Bereavement Podcast

Guests highlight how understanding individuals views on organ and tissue donation can support families who are anticipating loss or navigating grief.

27/08/26

Bereavement Summer e-Newsletter

Our latest e-Newsletter is here! Click here to discover more about upcoming bereavement-related events and new bereavement education resources.

24/08/26

Bereavement Education Conference 2026

Registration is now open for the upcoming virtual Bereavement Education conference, From the Shadows: Shedding Light on Bereavement at the Margins.

19/08/26

A Realistic Approach to End of Life Care

A new film explores person-centred care and the experience of a son acting as Power of Attorney around the time of his mother’s death.

19/08/26

Compassionate Support Across Cultures

A new film on the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural beliefs, spiritual perspectives and family values in end-of-life care.

13/08/26

Talking about Bereavement Podcast

Martin Jeffrey shares how post-mortem reconstruction enables families who are bereaved to view the deceased - providing an important sense of closure.

30/07/26

Talking about Bereavement Podcast

Hollyann Foubister discusses her role caring for patients after death, challenging mortuary myths & promoting open conversations about death.

16/07/26

Talking about Bereavement Podcast

Dr Graham Whyte explores the concept of professional grief and considers whether staff should attend the funerals of people they cared for.

View all news

NES 'Talking about Bereavement' Podcast Series

In this episode, Lynne Innes talks to:

Dr Radha Sundaram, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Alexandra Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Rachel Seligman, Specialist Nurse - Organ Donation / Specialist Requester, NHS Blood and Transplant
Caroline Gallier, Specialist Nurse - Organ Donation / Tissue and Bone Donor Coordinator, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

The guests share the importance of conversations around organ and tissue donation. Drawing on their professional experience, guests highlight how compassionate communication and understanding what mattered most to individuals can support families who are anticipating loss or navigating grief.

You can listen to the episode on Spotify or visit the Podcast page for more information.

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