Death, dying and bereavement

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is working to support doctors in effective communication around the time of death. 

Please note that this work/these resources are for health and social care professionals. If you are a patient, relative or carer and are looking for information on end of life or bereavement care please visit NHS Inform, Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland or Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief.

Visit NES' Support around Death website for details of educational resources and learning events.

For more information please contact supportarounddeath@nes.scot.nhs.uk or follow us on X: @NES_Bereavement.

To keep up to date with newly launched bereavement-related educational resources you may wish to consider signing up to NES’ quarterly bereavement education e-Newsletter. 

Medical certification of cause of death

Arrangements for death certification and registration in Scotland changed in 2015 with the introduction of the Death Certification Review Service (DCRS). Further information regarding the scrutiny system and process managed by the DCRS can be found on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland website. 

The NES Support around Death website provides information and educational resources on the clinical, legislative and practical issues involved in care before the time of, at and after a death, including materials on death certification in Scotland for certifying doctors and non-certifying staff.

Fatal Accident Inquiry - Coming Soon

NES has developed a guidance document for all health and social care staff who may be involved in a fatal accident inquiry (FAI). The document will launch in Summer 2024. In the meantime, please contact supportarounddeath@nes.scot.nhs.uk for more information.