Post death procedure - East Cheshire NHS Trust

Body BagsA risk assessment must be made on the infectivity of the body prior to leaving theward/department.A body bag must be used prior to transfer of the body to the mortuary where there is:1. A high risk of infection - see Appendix I.2. Uncontrollable loss of blood or body fluids.3. No known medical history.4. No means of identifying the body.Whenever body bags are used a biohazard label must be attached to the body bag andthe body and the accompanying Notification Form (see Page 8) for the mortuary staff.Sheets MUST NOT be used on bodies placed in bags.Ensure that the relevant form is completed and placed in a sealed envelope (to ensureconfidentiality) for the attention of the mortuary technicians.Body bags and forms are available from the mortuary by request to the portering staff.There are two sizes of body bag, please request large or small according to need.Ensure the zip closure is left at the head end of the bag.Porters must be informed by the nursing staff of infected bodies. On collection of trolleyfrom Mortuary, portering staff must put on gloves. They do not need to wear specialclothing when transporting the body, but after moving the body to the mortuary andremoving their gloves, they must WASH THEIR HANDS - this is the greatest safetyfactor.26/34