Post death procedure - East Cheshire NHS Trust

1 The relatives of a Jainist patient may wish to contact their priest to recite prayers withthe patient and family.2 The family may wish to be present during the last offices, and also to assist withwashing. Not all families will want to perform this task, however.3 The family may ask for the patient to be clothed in a plain white gown or shroud withno pattern or ornament and then wrapped in a plain white sheet. They may providethe gown themselves.4 Post-mortems may be seen as disrespectful, depending on the degree of orthodoxyof the patient. Organ donation is acceptable.5 Cremation is arranged whenever possible within 24 hours of death.6 Orthodox Jainists may have chosen the path of Sallekhana, that is, death by ritualfasting. Sallekhana is rarely practised today although it may still have an influence onthe Jain attitude to death.For further information contact:The Institute of JainiologyUnit 18, Silicon Business Centre26 Wandsworth RoadGreenfordMiddlesexUB6 7JZTele: 020 8997 2300JEHOVAH’S WITNESS1 Routine last offices are appropriate. Relatives may wish to be present during lastoffices, either to pray or to read from the Bible. The family will inform staff shouldthere be any special requirements, which may vary according to the patient’s countryof origin.Jehovah's Witnesses usually refuse post-mortem unless absolutely necessary.Organ donation may be acceptable.Further information can be obtained from the nearest Kingdom Hall (see telephonedirectory) or:The Medical DeskThe Watch Tower Bible and Tract SocietyWatch Tower HouseThe RidgewayLondon NW7 1RN14/34