Sikhs, as an act of faith, wear the 5 signs of Sikhism, known as the 5 K's.

• Kesh - uncut hair, kept under a turban
• Kangha - small comb worn in the hair
• Kara - steel wrist band or bangle (or ring)
• Kirpan - short sword
• Kaccha - white shorts worn as an under garment

These symbols should not be disturbed unless it is absolutely necessary, in which case the necessity should be explained to the patient or his/her family.

Religious Observations

British Sikhs have adopted Sunday as the holy day.
Prayers are read five times daily.
Most Sikhs have three names: a first name, a religious middle name and a family name.
The religious middle name is always SINGH for men, and KAUR for women. Some Sikhs just use this religious title, e.g. Mr Singh. The wife of "Mr Singh" is never " Mrs Singh" but " Mrs Kaur" (and vice versa, the husband of Mrs Kaur is not Mr Kaur).

Family Planning

Contraception can be used but is not openly spoken about.

Diet

Many Sikhs are vegetarian. Some may not eat eggs or fish. A few Sikhs who eat meat will not eat beef. It is helpful to explain to patients the ingredients of dishes with unfamiliar names, e.g. "Hot pot". Sikhs do not smoke and alcohol is forbidden.

Care of the Dying

A dying Sikh may receive comfort from reciting hymns from the Guru Grant Sahab, the Sikh holy book. The family or any practising Sikh may help with this.

Death

Generally Sikhs are happy for non-Sikhs to tend the body. However, many families will wish to wash and lay out the body themselves.

If no family are available, in addition to the normal Last Offices, the following procedure should be followed.

• Special regard should be given to the 5 K's. These should be respected and should be left intact at all costs.
• Do not trim hair or beard.

If the family wish to view the body, staff should ask the mortician/porter to remove the Christian cross from the viewing room.

Post Mortem, Organ Transplantation

Apart from Stillbirths and Neonates, who may be buried, Sikhs must always cremated.

This should take place as soon as possible. No objections to blood transfusion, organ transplantation or post mortem examinations.