Logan Reid
Hospitals wrap bodies to prepare them for the mortuary, complying with legislation and cultural beliefs. This procedure, known as the last offices, is performed by a nurse or hospital security staff, who are responsible for verifying the identity of the deceased and transporting them to the morgue. The body is typically dressed or wrapped in a shroud, with an identification bracelet and label providing details such as the patient's name, date of birth, and time of death. In some cultures and religions, the body is washed before being wrapped, symbolizing purity and respect. White sheets are commonly used as they are readily available in hospitals and can indicate when cleaning is needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To prepare the deceased for a mortuary, comply with legislation, respect cultural beliefs, and minimise the risk of infection to those who may handle the body |
| Procedure | The body is dressed in a simple garment or wrapped in a shroud with an identification label. A stretcher drawsheet is placed under the body for removal to a trolley for transportation to the morgue |
| Transportation | Trolleys may be disguised as laundry carts when passing through public areas. In smaller hospitals, security staff may be responsible for transporting bodies to the morgue |
| Religious Aspects | In Islam, the body is washed by family members of the same gender, thrice: with water infused with plum leaves, then with camphor-infused water, and lastly with purified water |
| Privacy | Covering the face of a patient on a stretcher may be done for privacy, but it can also indicate that the patient has died |
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What You'll Learn
To comply with legislation and cultural/religious beliefs
Hospitals may wrap a body to comply with legislation and cultural or religious beliefs. This process is known as the "last offices", or "laying out", and is performed by a nurse or other healthcare professional to the body of a deceased person soon after death has been confirmed. The procedure varies between hospitals and cultures but is often done to prepare the deceased for a mortuary, respecting their cultural beliefs, or to comply with legislation. For example, in the case of a patient's death, a procurator fiscal or coroner may need to be involved.
The body is typically dressed in a simple garment or wrapped in a shroud, with an identification bracelet placed on the ankle detailing the patient's name, date of birth, date and time of death, name of the ward, and patient identification number. A duplicate identification label is pinned to the wrap or shroud. This procedure is common in smaller hospitals, where nurses or security guards may be responsible for transporting the body to the morgue.
In some cultures and religions, the washing of the dead is an important ritual. In Islam, for example, the body is washed by family members of the same gender, although Islamic Hausa people allow spouses to wash each other's bodies. This practice was also depicted in films such as Braveheart (1995) and The White Ribbon (2009). In Western societies, the washing of the dead was traditionally performed by family and friends but is now often delegated to professionals.
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To minimise infection risk to others who handle the body
In hospitals, the body of a deceased person is wrapped in a shroud or a simple garment as part of the "last offices", or "laying out". This procedure is typically performed by a nurse and includes removing jewellery, washing the body, and dressing it. The body is then placed on a stretcher drawsheet, which enables easy transportation to the morgue. These procedures are carried out to minimise the risk of infection to anyone who handles the body, including relatives, healthcare workers, funeral directors, and security staff.
In some cases, the body may be wrapped in a sheet or blanket before being transported to the morgue, especially in smaller hospitals that may not have a dedicated bag for body transport. This practice can help contain any bodily fluids and reduce the risk of infection during transport.
The "last offices" procedures can vary between hospitals and cultures, but the underlying principle of minimising infection risk remains consistent. For example, in Islamic tradition, the body is washed by family members of the same gender, with water infused with plum leaves, camphor, and finally purified water. While this practice is culturally significant, it has also been linked to the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Ebola virus in West Africa.
To further minimise infection risk, hospitals implement additional measures such as using trolleys disguised as laundry carts when transporting the deceased through public areas. This practice maintains the dignity of the deceased while also protecting the living from potential exposure to pathogens.
Overall, the practice of wrapping the body in a shroud or simple garment is an important step in the "last offices" procedures, helping to reduce the risk of infection and providing a respectful transition for the deceased individual.
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To respect the deceased and their family
Wrapping a body in a hospital setting is often done as a mark of respect for the deceased and their family. This practice, known as the "last offices" or "laying out", involves performing specific procedures on the body of a deceased person shortly after death. While the specific steps may vary between hospitals and cultures, the underlying principle is to honour and respect the dead.
One important aspect of the "last offices" is the preparation of the body. This includes dressing the body in a simple garment or wrapping it in a shroud. An identification bracelet is also placed on the ankle, providing details such as the name, date of birth, and time of death. These steps ensure that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect, allowing for proper identification and providing a sense of closure for the family.
In some cultures and religious traditions, the ritual washing of the body is an integral part of the "last offices". For example, in Islam, it is customary for family members of the same gender to wash the body with water infused with plum leaves, camphor, and finally purified water. This ritual is believed to purify the deceased and prepare them for the afterlife, demonstrating respect and honour for their transition from life to death.
The practice of wrapping the body and performing these rituals also serves a practical purpose in minimising the risk of infection for relatives, healthcare workers, and anyone who may come into contact with the body. By following these respectful procedures, hospitals ensure that the deceased is handled and cared for in a dignified and culturally sensitive manner, providing comfort and solace to the grieving family.
Additionally, hospitals may take measures to discreetly transport the deceased to the morgue, using trolleys disguised as laundry carts to avoid causing distress to members of the public. This consideration demonstrates the sensitivity and respect accorded to the deceased individual and their loved ones, ensuring that their privacy is maintained even after death.
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To identify the body
Wrapping a body is part of the last offices, or the procedures performed on a body after death. This includes removing jewellery, dressing the body in a simple garment, and wrapping it in a shroud. An identification bracelet is also put on the body's ankle, including the patient's name, date of birth, date and time of death, name of the ward, and patient identification number. This information is duplicated on an identification label pinned to the wrap or shroud.
In the case of large-scale disasters, cling film plastic wrap can be used as an alternative to cadaver body bags. This is because body bags may be scarce, and plastic wrap is cheaper and easier to use. It also ensures the collection and retention of information relevant for identification.
In smaller hospitals, security staff may be responsible for verifying the correct body and transporting it to the morgue. This involves checking the toe tag, wristband, and bag tag. The body may be wrapped in a sheet with handles, rather than placed in a body bag.
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To transport the body to the morgue
Hospital staff have the difficult task of dealing with deceased patients. Once a patient has passed away, their body is typically prepared for transport to the morgue. This process can vary between hospitals and cultures, but there are some common procedures that are generally followed.
Firstly, it is important to respect the cultural beliefs of the deceased and their family, as well as comply with any relevant legislation. In some cases, the body may be washed as part of a religious ritual, either by professionals or by family members. This practice is customary in several cultures, including ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Victorian traditions.
After any necessary rituals are performed, the body is typically dressed in a simple garment or wrapped in a shroud. An identification bracelet is secured to the ankle, providing details such as the patient's name, date of birth, date and time of death, ward information, and a patient identification number. A duplicate identification label is then pinned to the shroud.
To prepare the body for transport, it is placed on a stretcher with a drawsheet underneath, making it easier to move the body onto a trolley or gurney. Some hospitals use special gurneys with elevated sheet frames, allowing for discreet transportation as the gurney resembles a regular empty gurney even with a body inside. Hospitals may also utilise private staff elevators to move the deceased to the morgue without causing distress to other patients or visitors.
In some cases, the body may be placed in a body bag before being transported to the morgue, particularly if the morgue is located in a remote part of the hospital or if the body needs to be moved through public areas. This helps to maintain dignity and avoid causing distress to those present. The body bag may be placed on the stretcher or trolley first, and then the body is transferred into it, or the body may be bagged while still on the stretcher before being moved onto a morgue cart or trolley.
Once the body is prepared and discreetly wrapped or bagged, it can be securely transported to the morgue, where it is placed in cold storage until it is collected by the funeral home or medical examiner.
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Frequently asked questions
Wrapping a body is part of the last offices, or the procedures performed on a body after death. The body is dressed in a simple garment or wrapped in a shroud, with an identification bracelet on the ankle and a duplicate identification label pinned to the wrap or shroud.
The last offices are performed to prepare the deceased for the mortuary, respecting their cultural beliefs, complying with legislation, and minimising the risk of infection to those who may handle the body. This includes removing jewellery, washing the body, and leaving the deceased for up to an hour as a mark of respect.
The last offices are usually performed by a nurse, but this can vary between hospitals and cultures. In some cultures, it is customary for the body to be washed by members of the deceased's family, such as in Islamic tradition.
The body is placed on a stretcher drawsheet and then transported to the morgue on a trolley. These trolleys may be disguised as laundry carts if they need to pass through public areas. In smaller hospitals, security staff may be responsible for transporting the body to the morgue.
