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Why you should read this article: • To update your knowledge on the role of children’s hospices • To learn about some of the misconceptions that persist around the services offered by children’s hospices • To understand some of the differences between adult and children’s palliative care. Children’s hospices are central to specialist palliative care provision for the increasing number of children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. These hospices provide holistic care through a range of services, including ongoing care from the point of diagnosis, at the end of life and into bereavement. This article outlines the services provided by children’s hospices, while dispelling misconceptions that they exclusively provide care at the end of life. It also explains how these services have developed and evolved as a result of technological advances. It is useful for nurses to be aware of the role of children’s hospices, so that they can support the effective care of children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The death of a loved one can trigger a range of feelings and emotions, among them anger, denial, guilt, sadness and shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the factors that can increase the risk of suicide among healthcare staff • To be aware of the actions that nurses can take with their colleagues to reduce the risk of suicide • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Reducing the number of deaths by suicide is an important area in public health. Several factors, including excessive workload demands and burnout, mean that healthcare staff such as nurses are at higher risk of death by suicide compared with people working in other occupations. This article explores the contributory factors involved in suicide among healthcare professionals and outlines some of the methods that nurses can use to enquire about suicide risk with their colleagues. It also details appropriate interventions that nurses can use to reduce the risk of suicide among their colleagues. The authors aim to increase nurses' understanding of their role in suicide prevention in the healthcare workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French doctor René Leriche wrote that every surgeon carries a small cemetery with them. This idea of carrying the memories of patients who have died may chime with many nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Katie Garner's novel "The Family Inside" follows Iris Blodgett and her daughter Ellory as they navigate a series of mysterious events after moving into her new boyfriend Hugh's family estate. As Ellory goes missing and others in the household disappear, Iris begins to question Hugh's motives. The story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the audacious final reveal. [Extracted from the article]

"George the Duck and His Day of Big Grief" is a touching picture book that introduces young readers to the topic of handling grief. The story follows George, a young duckling, and Jack, a fluffy white pup, as they enjoy their friendship and playful adventures. However, tragedy strikes one winter day, and George must learn to cope with the loss of his best friend. Through the compassionate storytelling and delicate illustrations, the book explores the stages of grief and the healing effects of time and new friendships. It is a valuable resource for young readers struggling with grief or loss, or for parents seeking to introduce their children to the topic of death. [Extracted from the article]

"The Way" by Cary Groner is a postapocalyptic novel set in a world devastated by a deadly avian flu epidemic. In this near-future scenario, 80% of the global population has been wiped out, leading to the collapse of civilization and the emergence of isolated communities. The protagonist, Will Collins, a caretaker at a Buddhist retreat in Colorado, embarks on a journey to deliver a chemical compound to California, where scientists are working on a cure for a mysterious disease. Along the way, he is pursued by a gang of neo-Nazis who also seek the cure. Despite some contrived plot twists, the author effectively portrays a dystopian world with compelling characters and cinematic action. [Extracted from the article]

"The Alchemy of Bridges" by Charlene Williams is an emotive and socially conscious story that explores the power of love. The book follows the intertwined lives of Ronan Byrne and Emily Walton, who meet on a bridge in New York City in 1968. Despite facing numerous challenges and the passage of time, their bond remains unbreakable. Williams seamlessly blends genres, combining romance, mystery, and suspense, and the narrative culminates in the COVID-19 era. While the social commentary can be heavy-handed at times, the enduring love story between Ronan and Emily is a testament to the transformative power of love. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides updates on two separate incidents in the mining industry. Firstly, a lawsuit filed against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) by environmental groups and tribes has been voluntarily dismissed following the retirement of a key figure in the mining company Hecla. Secondly, Victoria Gold has reported on the status of the heap leach facility (HLF) embankment at the Eagle gold mine in Canada's Yukon Territory, following a failure in June 2024. The company has implemented various measures to manage the situation and is conducting investigations to determine the cause of the incident. Additionally, the article briefly mentions the passing of Russ Carter, a long-time writer for Engineering & Mining Journal (E&MJ), who was highly regarded for his expertise and contributions to the industry. [Extracted from the article]

"We Need No Wings" by Ann Dávila Cardinal is an uplifting story that explores grief and spiritual ecstasy. The protagonist, Tere Sánchez, is still mourning the death of her husband when she begins levitating in his garden. Troubled by her lack of control, Tere sets out to learn more about her family's ancestry, which is connected to the medieval saint Teresa of Ávila who also experienced levitation. During her journey, Tere overcomes her grief with the help of new acquaintances and explores themes of mysticism and friendship. [Extracted from the article]

Thomas McCormack, the former CEO of St. Martin's Press, passed away at the age of 92. McCormack was known for his outspoken nature and also worked as an author, playwright, and columnist for Publishers Weekly. During his time at St. Martin's Press, he served as editorial director and edited notable titles such as "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris and "All Creatures Great and Small" by James Herriot. McCormack's career began at Doubleday and ended at St. Martin's, where he was succeeded by John Sargent Jr. Colleagues remember him as a meticulous editor, astute businessman, and dedicated mentor to young editors. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores challenges generated by the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to community end of life care in the United Kingdom (UK). Topics discussed include principles of end of life care, outcomes of a rapid review on the role and response of primary care and community palliative care nursing during epidemics and pandemics, published by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and effects of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) on communication.

Alice Munro, a renowned Canadian author known for her short stories set in small-town Ontario, has passed away at the age of 92. Munro received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013. She believed that short stories were better suited to capturing contemporary life and aimed to provide intense moments of experience through her writing. Munro's publisher, PRH Canada, expressed their condolences and acknowledged the lasting impact of her work on the literary landscape. [Extracted from the article]

"Mourning a Breast" is a powerful autofiction novel by Xi Xi, originally published in 1992, that explores the author's experience with breast cancer and reflects on the subjective nature of translation. The protagonist, Xi, discovers a lump in her breast and receives a cancer diagnosis. While awaiting a mastectomy, she compares different translations of Flaubert's Madame Bovary and contemplates the varying interpretations. Xi uses translation as a metaphor for the work of doctors, highlighting the different conclusions they may reach. The novel delves into Xi's own misreading of her body and her consideration of different treatment options. Xi's straightforward writing style and insightful analysis make this a compelling read. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the impact of reforms that eliminated many local councils in England, highlighting the loss of community loyalty and affinity generated by these councils. It mentions the significance of the 50th anniversary of local government in England, emphasizing the need to celebrate while mourning the councils that didn't reach this milestone and the implications of the Local Government Act 1972.

Sue Arroyo, the founder, publisher, and CEO of indie publisher CamCat Books, passed away at the age of 57 after a fall at her home. Arroyo established CamCat in 2018 and published its first book, "Dead Air" by Michael Bradley, in June 2020. CamCat has released over 100 titles, including Arroyo's own mystery novel, "The Dead Won't Tell," written under the pen name S.K. Waters. Despite Arroyo's passing, CamCat plans to continue publishing and uphold her vision of establishing lasting relationships with authors and readers. [Extracted from the article]

"A Place to Shine" by Marie Arnold is a children's/YA novel that follows 10-year-old Sunny Williams and her eight-year-old brother Miles as they navigate the foster care system after their grandmother is admitted to a nursing home due to her worsening dementia. They end up staying with their school's new music teacher and choir director, who is grieving the death of his wife and seems unprepared to care for them. Sunny embarks on a quest to find magical components to cure her grandmother's failing memory, which pushes her boundaries and forces her to confront bullies and her own fears. This uplifting and hopeful tale explores everyday magic, grief, and the importance of family and community. The book features diverse characters, most of whom are Black, and is recommended for ages 8-12. [Extracted from the article]

"Pages of Mourning" by Diego Gerard Morrison is a captivating novel set in Mexico City in 2017. The protagonist, Aureliano Segundo Mas, is a novelist grappling with the disappearance of his mother during the 1980s cartel wars. As he works on his novel, "No Magic Realism," which is loosely based on his mother's story, Aureliano is haunted by the recent suicide of his editor and friend. The novel skillfully explores themes of loss, drug trade violence, and the enduring power of magical realism. [Extracted from the article]

To the Gorge: Running, Grief, Resilience & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail is a memoir by Emily Halnon that chronicles her journey of running across Oregon on the Pacific Crest Trail after her mother's death from cancer. Halnon pays tribute to her mother's tenacity by attempting to complete the 460-mile route faster than anyone else. Despite the challenges and her own grief, Halnon successfully completes the run in just over a week. The memoir not only explores Halnon's athletic achievements but also delves into her clear-eyed approach to loss and grief. [Extracted from the article]

AUTH Rationale and key points: Why you should read this article: • To understand the steps involved in verifying the death of a patient • To recognise when nurses are able to verify the death of a patient • To be aware of how the role of the nurse in verifying death may change during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic When a patient dies, it is important that nurses understand their role in the verification of death. This article explains the steps required to verify the death of an adult patient. Verification of death is not a mechanistic task, but one that requires sensitivity and compassion. It is also crucial that nurses understand the legal implications of verifying a patient's death. With the development of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nurses must also understand any changes in their role when verifying the death of a patient. • Verification or confirmation of death is the process of ascertaining whether a patient is deceased, based on a physical assessment. • Nurses can only verify a death if the patient is expected to die and has a do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) order in place. A DNACPR order is essential because it allows the nurse to verify the death without being concerned with the need to resuscitate the patient. • Nurses should ensure they act in accordance with local and national guidance regarding the verification of a patient's death. Reflective activity: How to articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might inform your practice when verifying a patient's death. • How you could use this information to educate your colleagues on the appropriate steps required when verifying a patient's death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carers have a vital role in end of life care in all setings. They are essential in enabling people to live at home at the end of their lives. Carers give and receive care, and have a range of support needs related to this complex role. This article explores the context of caring at the end of life and considers the experience of carers, in particular those who have a non-professional and unpaid relationship with someone who is at the end of life, and the support they require. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on ceremonies held by councils around the United Kingdom to proclaim King Charles III the sovereign on September 11, 2022, and mentions condolence books set up by councils.

Tom Wanke, a veteran of the fluid power industry and director of the Fluid Power Industrial Consortium (FPIC) and Industry Relations at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), passed away on June 21, 2022. Wanke was known for his expertise and dedication to the fluid power industry, as well as his commitment to education and sharing knowledge. He played a key role in establishing FPIC and was recognized with several awards for his contributions to the industry. Wanke's passing has been mourned by colleagues and industry professionals, who acknowledge his lasting impact on the fluid power industry. [Extracted from the article]

When a patient dies, it is important that nurses understand their role in the verification and certification of death, and the legal implications of this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, discussing family-witnessed resuscitation, is the first in a series providing nurses with information about essential aspects of critical care. Family-witnessed resuscitation is not common practice in healthcare settings, despite its well-documented benefits. Lack of implementation arises because of fear and anxiety among healthcare practitioners about the potential negative consequences for the patient, the family and themselves. However, research has suggested that addressing these concerns could positively affect practice and increase the number of cases of family-witnessed resuscitation. This article discusses the potential benefits of, and barriers to, family-witnessed resuscitation and how the practice could become increasingly adopted in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of attending a funeral rite for his sister.

The article discusses a study which showed that grandparents have to be supported in times of grief to reduce their isolation by family-centred children's hospices in England. Topics covered include grandparents' typical grieving for both their grandchild and their children, the process of debriefing to validate their grief, the need to provide an opportunity for bereaved grandparents to meet together and talk openly.

The article focuses on the role of the Westminster City Council on supporting Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and mentions books of condolence being sent out.

The article profiles the finalists in the 2015 Patient's Choice category of the Nursing Standard Nurse Awards. It states paediatric rheumatology nurse specialist Sarah Hartfree who raise money and awareness for junior arthritis. The nomination of community psychiatric nurse Kelly Hayes, who is recognised for her compassion and care, is cited.

The article discusses the factors related to the increased risk of suicide among individuals who were bereaved by suicide. Also cited are the individuals who are at risk of committing suicide like people with mental health issues, and those who misuse drugs or alcohol, a 2016 study in Great Britain showing that 65% of individuals who were bereaved by suicide are likely to commit suicide, and the comment by mental health nurse, David Olphert, on the topic.

The article reports developments in the operation of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust as of mid-March 2017, particularly its successful emergence from a scandal over the deaths of 11 babies and a mother at one of its hospital. Also cited are the current overall rating of 'good' given by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to the trust's hospitals in Lancashire and Cumbria, England, and the comment by executive chief nurse, Sue Smith.

INSET: Case study of Hospice at Home care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive, caring and skilled nursing care for women experiencing miscarriage plays a crucial role in their long-term emotional recovery. For some women, miscarriage is a traumatic life event and may even be regarded as the most painful form of bereavement. However, miscarriage is often not viewed by society as a bereavement. The emotional effects are often overlooked by researchers and healthcare providers, who focus primarily on the physical aspects of miscarriage. Nurses who work in gynaecology and early pregnancy units should endeavour to provide sensitive and supportive care while managing their own emotions. Some nurses may cope well with care in these specialised units, while others may become emotionally overwhelmed. The stressful nature of providing care for women experiencing miscarriage should therefore be validated and recognised by those in nursing management and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the main theories of grief and bereavement. It is important that nurses have a good knowledge and understanding of the processes and stages involved so that they can support individuals who are bereaved. The terms grief, mourning and bereavement are defined and the unique experience of loss is emphasised, acknowledging the importance of person-centred care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many nurses will be familiar with the unexpected death of an adult patient following a sudden, life-threatening cardiac event. It is a situation that demands sensitive nursing care and skilled interventions to provide a foundation for recovery and promote healthy bereavement. This article examines the causes and incidence of sudden cardiac death in adults. Possible reactions of those who are suddenly bereaved are described and immediate care interventions aimed at dealing with the grief process are discussed. The article concludes by identifying ways in which the incidence of sudden cardiac death may be reduced [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 18 months, all of us have in some way been touched by loss. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable number of additional deaths across the country, meaning many more people have been bereaved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines the steps involved in preparing the patient after death--known as last offices. It addresses legal and non-legal issues, religious considerations, hygiene care and aftercare for the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of tissue donation. It examines the importance of the nurses role in relation to tissue donation and caring for bereaved relatives. The provisions of the Human Tissue Act 2004, which came into force in September 2006, are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the process of preparation on the part of the fire department for the task of supporting the survivors of fire fighters who die during line of duty. Guidelines on preparing for the delivery notification about the death of a co-worker, as well as on actual delivery, is provided. It is also recommended that the fire department chief use the Five-Phase line-of-duty death (LODD) model debriefing recommended by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

The article presents information on producing a memorial tribute video. A memorial tribute video is a form of eulogy or a photo montage created from pictures of the departed which is shown during the memorial. A videographer making the memorial tribute video must be sympathetic, respectful and emotionally strong, as the bereaved will be very sensitive to one's actions.