NHS Guidance for Staff Responsible for Care after Death
The 2017 guidance for staff responsible for care after death was developed by the National End of Life Care Programme and National Nurse Consultant Group (Palliative Care), this guidance:
- sets out key principles
- is intended as a guide for training, as well as for informing the development of organisational protocols for this area of care
- aims to provide a consistent view that accommodates England’s diverse religious and multi-cultural beliefs.
The document is intended as a guide for all those dealing with the deceased including hospices. The guidance states that there is a requirement to cool the deceased as soon as possible and that the refrigeration of bodies should be carried out within two to four hours to preserve the appearance, condition and dignity of the deceased. Additional work relating to the care of the child after death (Children’s Hospices UK 2011) also supports this national guidance.
The document also highlights that although many hospices have cold rooms, which should be below 12°C (ideally 4-6°C), the concern is that these low temperatures may not be tolerable for relatives who wish to be in the room for extended periods.
Therefore, the guidance highlights Flexmort’s new innovation in this area and refers to our CuddleBlanket cooling blanket (also known as Covercool) as offering effective alternatives.
Contact: info@flexmort.com for more information.
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A New Standard in Bereavement Care
Why the CuddleBlanket Matters
The CuddleBlanket has transformed individual body cooling by allowing families to keep their loved one close instead of in a mortuary. This gift of time supports relatives travelling from afar and allows funeral arrangements to be made without pressure.
Who Uses the CuddleBlanket?
The CuddleBlanket is used in:
- Hospitals
- Hospices
- Funeral homes
- Bereavement suites
- Home environments
It cools infants, children or adults on a bed, trolley or in a coffin, providing flexible and dignified care across all settings.
How the CuddleBlanket Cooling System Works
Simple and Effective Cooling Technology
A small cooling unit gently circulates chilled fluid through a flexible cooling pad placed directly on the body. An insulated cover can be placed on top to enhance performance.
The CuddleBlanket uses thermoelectric cooling, also known as the Peltier effect. This avoids compressor-based refrigeration and eliminates ice buildup.
Benefits of Thermoelectric Individual Cooling
- Quiet, discreet cooling
- No ice formation
- Low energy usage
- No refrigerated bed required
- Cools only when switched on, making it cost effective
