Health and Social Care

Afro-Caribbean's are a very demonstrative people. Sick people desire to be treated as everyone else but may feel isolated in the ward environment. Privacy for prayer and the singing of hymns is appreciated.

No special needs.

There are no dietary restrictions but hospital food may appear dull and a Caribbean meal would be appreciated.

No special Needs 
 
Blood Transfusion/Organ Transplant/Post Mortem

There is no objection to blood transfusion except if the patient is a Jehovah's Witness or Rastafarian. As older members believe that the body must be intact for the after-life, they may be offended by its disfigurement at post mortem and are therefore unlikely to give consent. There is no objection to receiving a transplanted organ but those who believe in the sanctity of the body are unlikely to agree to organ donation.

Visitors are important to Afro-Caribbean's therefore family and friends, Church members and community leaders should always be made to feel welcome, as indeed should all visitors. The extended family may wish to make longer visits and close relatives will want to be present at the time of death. It is important that the clergy visit and prayers are said together. Sacraments are seen as less necessary but some people may wish to receive Holy Communion. West Indian patients may require facilities for more than average numbers of visitors.

Routine last offices are carried out. There is no objection to the body being handled as long as respect is shown. The funeral is an elaborate occasion and the funeral service is tailored to suit the individual – a choir, a steel band or gospel singers and flowers. At the graveside, the family will fill in the grave while the singing continues.