Below are answers to the questions we are most commonly asked by families at this difficult time. For more detailed information, please visit the FAQ page or speak to a member of our team.

Can I stay with my loved one at the end of their life?

Yes. We always try to ensure that families can be with their loved ones in their final days and hours. Please speak to your ward nurse about arrangements for staying at the bedside. Out-of-hours access to the hospital can also be arranged - see the 'Accessing the hospital out of hours' page for further details.

How do I access palliative care support at WUTH?

To be seen by our Supportive and Palliative Care Team, you need to be referred by your ward team. Simply ask your ward nurse to contact the team on your behalf. The service is available seven days a week, 9am–5pm. For out-of-hours advice, the Wirral Palliative Care Advice Line is available 24 hours a day on 0151 343 9529.

What happens after someone dies at WUTH?

Our team will guide you through every step. This includes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which will be issued by a doctor and sent directly to the register office. You will then need to book an appointment to register the death within five days of the registrar receiving the MCCD. Our Bereavement Care Team can support you through this process - please see the 'When someone dies' page for full information.

What is the Making Memories initiative and how can I receive a keepsake?

Making Memories is our community-supported initiative that provides handcrafted keepsakes to bereaved families - including knitted hearts, ECG jars, organza hair lock pouches, knitted blankets, memory boxes, and fingerprint kits. These are offered to families by ward staff at the time of bereavement. If you have not been offered a keepsake and would like one, please contact the Bereavement Care Team at wuth.corporatenursing@nhs.net.

Is spiritual or religious support available?

Yes. Our hospital Chaplaincy Team is available to all patients, families and carers, regardless of faith or belief. The team provides spiritual, pastoral and emotional support - in person, on the ward and in the Supportive Care Unit. Please ask your ward nurse to contact the Chaplaincy Team, or see the 'Spiritual support' page for more information.

How can I support end of life care at WUTH?

There are several ways to support our work. You can donate items for the Making Memories initiative (drop-off at Switchboard, Arrowe Park Hospital Main Entrance, Monday to Friday). You can also make a charitable donation in memory of your loved one - visit the 'Charitable donations' page to find out more. Volunteer knitters and crafters are also always welcome.

Please contact wuth.corporatenursing@nhs.net if you would like to get involved.