Confirmation of Death

In 2018 the Scottish Government’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) issued a framework for Confirmation of Death by Healthcare Professionals to support implementation of CNO letter DL (2017)9.

The letter confirmed that the ability to undertake confirmation of death can be widened to include all registered healthcare professionals and that this procedure can be undertaken in any circumstances. Previous guidance had limited the role to medical staff in all circumstances or to registered nurses in expected circumstances only.

This policy establishes the framework for confirmation of death within NHS Lothian and sets out the responsibilities of relevant managers and staff in ensuring that confirmation is carried out in a timely, sensitive, and caring manner as part of the dignified and compassionate care provided to patients, families and carers after a death.