URGENT NOTICE: e-ROLE FORMS

Following some incidents over the weekend relating to the e-ROLE form we are unfortunately having to adjust the process in some specific circumstances.

If a deceased patient did not die in suspicious circumstances, the death is expected, and the family were planning a faith-based funeral/ceremony or repatriation process that requires the deceased to be buried or cremated within a very short period after death.

Then the crew must leave a copy of the paper ROLE form for the GP once they attend, so that the process of certifying death can be started as soon as possible.

We also ask a picture is taken of the paper ROLE form and added to the EPCR.

We know this would double up on work for the crew, however, we feel it is the most balanced approach to assisting grieving families and relatives to arrange a faith-based ceremony / service, or to help with a repatriation process.

We know that this would cause there to be 2 ROLE forms, however they should be as identical as possible to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

We are working with our HM Coroners and EPCR team on future improvements and will update you as soon as this develops.

Where there are suspicious circumstances or the death was not expected, the normal processes of calling for the Police, and for carrying out the ROLE will remain in place.

Please could you advise all staff regarding the changes required re ‘Faith deaths.  We know that this may impact on them having to do two forms, however it is needed to reduce the additional pressures on grieving families in these circumstances.

Thank you all for your assistance with this, it is very much appreciated.

Published 23rd May 2023