Dealing with Death: A Handbook of Practices, Procedures and Law

Dealing with Death is a comprehensive and authoritative source of information for professionals on the procedures, laws and cultural customs that should be observed when someone dies. This completely updated and expanded second edition takes into account the recent changes in UK law and the impact of the Harold Shipman and Alder Hey enquiries.

Clear guidance is provided on all the legal, technical and forensic procedures surrounding death, including:

* medical certification of cause of death

* coroner's enquiries

* autopsy

* organ and tissue donation

* burial and cremation

* exhumation.

The authors give insights into a wide range of sensitive areas, such as dignified care for the dying and considerations for the bereaved, the particular issues that arise when a baby dies, and the appropriate handling of death from AIDS. Part 3 provides an overview of a wide range of cultural and religious death rites and the implications of religious beliefs on blood transfusions, terminal care and euthanasia.

This professional handbook is a key text for coroners, lawyers, police, funeral directors and clergy, as well as healthcare professionals, palliative care workers, social care professionals and students.