The existence of the Bereavement Officer services to deal with bereaved familes at Galway University Hospitals should be better communicated to the public, a Galway city councillor told the Regional Health Forum on Tuesday.
Cllr Shane Forde said that he and his family had personal experience of grief through the loss of his mother at the hospital some years ago and that he is keen that all families are able to use the services.
He asked the Forum if the system that is currently in place to deal with grieving families will be replaced or updated.
“The current system is totally designed not to deal with families concerns properly and is completely stacked against families getting proper answers to questions, an din my opinion is not fit for purpose? I have lost my mam and while I do not want to engage in any criticism of the service, all I want is for families to feel respected.”
In response, Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Health Area Manager, Galway Roscommon said that a Bereavement Officer is available in Galway University Hospitals to address concerns a family member may have following the death of a patient.
“The Bereavement Officer is available five days a week and is available to follow up on any concerns the family may have. This may involve a meeting with key car- givers or seeking relevant information on their behalf.”
She said that if the family feel their issues are not resolved, they will be advised of the process which can be initiated via the Quality and Patient Safety Office where their concerns can be investigated as requested and a review may be undertaken if warranted.
Ms Cosgrave added that the service is optional.
“It is a family or relative decision to engage with the Bereavement Officer. They link with the mortuary services and they have follow up phone calls. Maybe it is not being communicated well enough and if that’s the case, I welcome any feedback,” she concluded.
