	This leaflet tells you how we care for someone when we think they are close to death
	We will always take care of your loved one with respect and kindness
	You may already know that your loved one is dying, or this news might come as a shock
	We will talk with you and your loved one to keep you informed
	We will make a care plan with you, focusing on your wishes and those of your loved one
	Feel free to ask any of our staff about any worries at any time - we are here to support you
	We will offer you a swan symbol for the door or curtain to remind everyone to be extra sensitive
	If your loved one has shared their wishes for their final days, please let us know
	Nurses will tell you what is possible if you want to stay with your loved one during their last days
	Some people know where they want to spend their final days – it could be at home, in a hospital or in a hospice
	It may be that your loved one is too unwell to be moved from hospital – we will do our best to meet their wishes
	Care
	It’s normal for a dying person not to want any food and drink – we will help them to eat and drink for as long as they want
	If they can’t drink, we will keep their mouth moist and comfortable – if you want, nurses can show you how to do this
	Giving fluids by a drip can have side effects – we will talk about what’s best with you and your loved one
	You might notice their breathing looks different and that it becomes noisy
	This is not usually painful, but if you think they are upset by it, please let the staff know
	We may stop giving medicines or switch to injections instead of pills
	Pain usually doesn't get worse when someone is dying, but their breathing might change – we can help with any pain or breathing issues
	We may use a special pump to give medicine under the skin if needed
	To avoid disturbing them, we may stop tests and observations
	We’ll turn them in bed to stop pressure ulcers
	They may become drowsy and sleep a lot – they may still sense your presence, voice and touch
	Let us know if there’s anything else that may comfort your loved one, like music
	If they seem restless, we may be able to help them by giving medicines
	If you’re worried that your loved one seems distressed, tell us right away
	Faith based support If you or your loved one would you like to see a chaplain from any faith, let us know and we can arrange it
	University College hospital The multi-faith chaplaincy is on the ground floor podium
	National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery The chapel with multi-faith facilities is in the Albany Wing
	University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street The multi-faith room is opposite the main reception
	University College Hospital Grafton Way Building The Muslim prayer room and multi-faith Oasis Room are on the ground floor
	After death Your loved one might be registered as an organ or tissue donor – we understand this can be a difficult time to think about this
	Organ and tissue donation This is done with great respect and care for the patient and their family
	Donation will not stop you from saying goodbye or affect funeral arrangements
	Organ donation can sometimes happen if a person dies in a critical care ward and is on life support
	We can provide a specially trained nurse to talk about this with you and offer support
	Tissue donation This can be done after death – usually within 24 to 48 hours after someone has died
	If you want to know more about tissue donation scan the QR code on the left
	Or click on the link below to watch the video NHS guide to tissue donation
	If tissue donation is something you would like to think about on behalf of your loved one, you can speak to us You can also call the National Referral Centre for Tissue Services on 0800 43 20 559
	Donating a body This is important for training and for research
	The patient is the only one who can agree to donating their body – they must have agreed to this while they were alive
	If you want to know more about donating a body, scan the QR code on the left
	Or click on the link below to go to the website Donating a body
	Keeping in touch with the ward We will ask for your contact details – keeping you up to date with everything is important to us
	If there are times when you would prefer not to be contacted, please let us know
	You can contact us by calling the hospital switchboard and asking for the ward you want
	or by calling the ward directly Please ask the team looking after your loved one for the ward contact number
	UCLH switchboard 020 34 56 78 90 Or 084 51 55 50 00 (this is a premium rate number – you will be charged more money to call it)
	If you would like to talk to us in confidence about the care you or your loved one has received, you can contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for information and advice
	You can contact PALS by phone on 020 34 47 30 42
	Or by email at uclh.pals@nhs.net
	You can visit their website at PALS at UCLH
	Care in the last days of life survey
	If you would like to fill out our survey about your experience, scan the QR code on the left
	Or click on the link below to go to the website Care in the last days of life survey
	If you have any questions, you can call the Transforming End of Life Care Team on 020 34 47 78 42
	Or email them at uclh.transformingeolcteam@nhs.net
	UCLH Charity is here to make a difference to patients, staff and research at University College London Hospitals
	To find out more about our work and how you can support us, scan the QR code on the left
	Or click on the link below to go to the website UCLH charity