Death during a pandemic

From Ganfyd

Death during a pandemic

During e.g. an influenza pandemic there might be a higher than usual death rate, at a time when there is also a much greater prevalence of illness, and when fewer staff are available (as they are off sick). This will affect healthcare and other public services - including the coroner and the register office. Generally these services run with sufficient resources to just cope with a normal workload and there is a long history of problems at time of war or major incident. Funeral directors, crematoria, and other services will also be overloaded and short-staffed.

At present no allowances have been made for relaxation of normal rules of death certification. It is just possible that changes might be made under emergency legislation, but we cannot assume that this will be the case. Consultation is currently underway that might simplify cremation procedures during a pandemic.

As a consequence there might be long delays, with bodies having to be kept where they die - in hospitals, care homes, and at homes. Guidance for relatives might be made available before the next pandemic occurs.