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In the health services we value patient-centeredness and parity of treatment for all, irrespective of religious belief or no religious belief. We cannot make assumptions about people without religious belief and must seek clarity from the person or a personal contact provided by the person if in doubt.
Personal contacts and death-related practices
Essential Practice Point 2
- Source the name of a personal contact that can be called upon to support the person in times of critical need and who can give guidance to the healthcare setting on appropriate practice for the person as needed.
- Do not assume that the person will wish to speak to a hospital Chaplain or avail of any religious services. Contributors to this section have indicated the embarrassment caused to members at having to 'opt out' of religious services offered to them in Irish healthcare settings.
- Do not assume that the person, due to an absence of religious belief, will not want any personal support in times of illness or approaching death.
- Clarify with the person or the personal contact if there are any particular requirements in relation to death.
(Return to Summary of Essential Practice Points)
Family dynamics and decision making
Essential Practice Point 3
It is possible that family may not be aware of the absence of religious belief. The wishes of the person must be respected in these situations.
(Return to Summary of Essential Practice Points)
Blood Transfusion and Organ Transplantation
There are unlikely to be objections to these procedures.
Cleaning and touching the body
Postmortem requirements
There is unlikely to be objection to postmortem.
Last updated on: 22 / 10 / 2009