Conference Information

1st National Conference on Bereavement in a Healthcare Setting

Aims / Scope of Conference

There are over half a million deaths each year in the UK. Research suggests that each death leaves an average of six people significantly affected. While for the majority of people bereavement, while debilitating, is a temporary condition from which they will begin to emerge after six months or so, with no permanent detriment, for the 10 – 20% who experience more complicated grief, the experience may have a long term effect on their functioning.

Every death in the UK is required to be certified by a medical practitioner and for most deaths there has been more health-service input than just the signing of a certificate. This raises major issues for healthcare planners and staff. In his introduction to the UK Department of Health Guidelines: “When a patient dies” Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales, said:

“I firmly believe that providing sensitive, responsive information and support for bereaved families and others is not an optional extra. It is, and should, a passion for all of us.”

This conference will address these important issues, in a series of keynote addresses and through selected workshops and seminars.

Conference Location

The conference will be held in the West Park Conference Centre, Perth Road, Dundee.

Conference Committee

  • John Birrell - Bereavement Services Coordinator
  • Ron Johansen - Senior Nurse, Professional & Practive Development
  • Anne Findlay- Palliative Care Chaplain
  • Laura McGlashan - Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau
  • Cate McMillan - Nurse, Psychiatry of Old Age
  • Audrey Stephens - Researcher, Robert Gordon's University
  • Hazel Stevenson - Occupational Health Staff Counsellor
  • Irene Thompson - Learning and Development Coordinator

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