Talking about death and dying is something many people choose to avoid but for the portering team at The Royal Oldham Hospital, it’s all about treating patients with dignity and respect.
When a patient has passed away in hospital, the portering team are called to help transfer the individual to the mortuary.
It’s vital that colleagues working in portering receive regular training, in partnership with the bereavement and mortuary teams, to ensure they are prepared to deal with what is often a distressing situation.
“At the end of the day, whether they are alive or deceased, the patient is still in our care and we will treat them with dignity and respect,” explains Sam Baker, hospital porter.
“As a new starter, dealing with deceased patients can be quite scary but the training helps to ease that anxiety.
“It’s about treating that individual with compassion – like we would if they were one of our own relatives. We want to ensure there is a smooth process for the patient and their loved ones at what is a very traumatic time.”
As part of the training, porters across the NCA are given guidance on moving patients, supporting bereaved relatives and tips on how to speak around the deceased patient.
Sam added: “I just carry on talking to the patient like I would any other; I don’t drop that level of respect and dignity. Some relatives choose to walk with us as we transfer their loved one to a designated point, which is absolutely fine. We’ve had feedback from some people to say the way we dealt with a situation involving their relative really touched them, and that’s always lovely to hear.”