Viewing Rooms Project, North Bristol NHS Trust

Winner of the South West Peoples Award for Dignity

The Viewing Rooms Project aims to improve the experience of the hospital's recently bereaved service users, increasing their privacy, dignity and access by creating a warm, welcoming environment where the grieving process is less distressing.

Twenty recently bereaved families were given disposable cameras and asked to capture their experience at the hospital. The resulting images showed that thought needed to be given to the perspective of the bereaved.

A Viewing Room Steering Group was established which included patient panel members, carers, local funeral directors and next of kin who had used the viewing rooms. Over 200 people gave their ideas on redevelopment of the rooms.

The project's future was ensured by involving mortuary staff, board level sponsors and stakeholders from the outset. SANDS, a support group for parents, was also involved to ensure that the new design meets the needs of parents and siblings.

Outline proposals and designs were approved by the Trust Board in November 2008, with planning permission being granted in January 2009. The designs are currently out to tender and work should commence to refurbish both mortuary viewing rooms in March/April 2009.