The Sands perinatal post mortem consent package
Sands has developed model consent forms, information and guidance for health professionals seeking consent for post-mortems on babies who have died before, during or shortly after birth. The aim is to make it easier for health professionals and parents to discuss post-mortems and will ensure that parents can make informed choices.
This material has been developed by Sands in consultation with the HTA and health professionals across the United Kingdom – including obstetricians, neonatologists, perinatal and paediatric pathologists, midwives, neonatal nurses, anatomical pathology technologists, clinical geneticists and mortuary managers, as well as with parents. Support was provided by the Department of Health & Social Care.
The Sands post-mortem consent form was revised on 25 November 2024 in line with current perinatal post-mortem policies and revised Royal College of Pathologists’ professional guidelines. This reflects changes in post-mortem practice over the years, which includes the increasing use of non-invasive diagnostic tests and genetic testing; and to provide clearer information to parents about their options.
Forms
The model consent forms are not prescriptive owing to local variations in practice and may be adapted as necessary for local needs, provided they comply with the Human Tissue Act 2004 and the HTA’s codes of practice. Consent forms are only one part of the consent process and should be completed after appropriate discussion and explanation.
At present, these forms can only be used by hospitals and trusts in England. In Wales, health boards should use the standardised consent forms agreed by NHS Wales.
In Northern Ireland, HSS Trusts and other relevant organisations should use the standardised consent forms agreed with the Department of Health Northern Ireland.
Separate consideration is being given in Scotland to a similar form which complies with the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006.
- Sands post mortem consent form (Word) updated 25 November 2024
- Sands consent to further examination of organs form (Word)
- Sands retaining organs for the PM consent form (Word)
Sands guide for consent takers: seeking consent for the post mortem examination of a baby
This guide is written for all staff across the UK seeking consent or authorisation for a post-mortem. It will be particularly useful for those who are new to seeking consent and for those who wish to review their practice. (This guide is not intended to replace training for consent takers, required by our Codes of Practice, but may be used as the basis for training sessions and materials.)
Please note that the guide is intended for health care staff. If you are a bereaved parent, please go to the Sands website.
Compiling local information for post mortem consent takers (Word) lists the questions that cover local arrangements that consent taker needs to understand before discussing consent with parents. A printed copy of the completed document should be kept in a perinatal post-mortem file on each ward or unit where perinatal post-mortems may be requested, along with other key reference documents.
Sands booklet for parents
The Sands booklet Deciding about a post mortem examination: Information for parents is suitable for all parents across the UK whose baby dies before, during and after birth, wherever they are cared for.
Wherever possible, the booklet should be given to parents when the option of a post-mortem is first mentioned, before a detailed discussion about consent.
Unless it is unavoidable, parents should always be offered a printed copy. Printed copies are available post and packaging only to all UK hospitals. They can be ordered from the Sands shop. To order by phone, please call: 0845 6520 445.
Sands bereavement support
Sands offers support for both families and professionals. The helpline is free to call from landlines and mobiles on 0808 164 3332. The Bereavement Support Services team are also on email and Facebook messenger.
Some of the other services Sands offers include Support Resources for parents, families, carers and health professionals; a UK-wide network of support groups with trained befrienders; free memory boxes and a wide range of bereavement support information online, translated, Easy Read and in-print.