ABSTRACT
Bereavement has been shown to have dangerous effects on physical and mental health. When a death occurs the pink sheets are separated from the case notes and passed to the social worker. On the basis bereavement follow-up is offered to about one-third of families. Those who care for the families of patients with late stage terminal illness should ensure that: A sophisticated assessment of family needs is made in every case in which a family exists and provided that the principal family members have no objection; Details of family assessment and care are recorded in a special part of the notes. Those who care for bereaved families should ensure that: All meetings with newly bereaved people take place in a peaceful, quiet, and private environment where they will be free from interruption. All persons likely to be traumatized by bereavement are given the opportunity to have their need for support assessed in a systematic and tactful way.
