What to do when someone dies in hospital
At H J Newington Funeral Directors, we understand that losing a loved one is an emotional and overwhelming time. If someone close to you has passed away in a hospital, it’s natural to have questions about what happens next. This guide will help you understand the necessary steps so you feel more assured during this difficult time.
First steps after a death in hospital
If you are the next of kin or a close family member, the hospital staff will inform you of the passing. At this point, the following steps are typically taken:
Organ and Tissue Donation
If the deceased was registered as an organ or tissue donor and is eligible to donate, the transplant coordinator or a hospital representative will discuss this with you. Since organs and tissues must be removed shortly after death, these arrangements need to be made quickly.
Documentation and Belongings
Many hospitals have dedicated bereavement staff to guide you through the process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Documentation: The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will need to be completed by the medical staff who were involved in the care of your loved one. This document will then be sent to the medical examiner to be scrutinised. Once this has been approved by the medical examiner, this will then allow you to register the death. Please be aware that issuing this certificate may take some time, as it must be prepared and signed appropriately.
- Appointments: Most hospitals operate an appointment system for collecting the MCCD as well as personal belongings. The bereavement officer or ward staff will provide guidance on setting this up.
- Referral to the Coroner: In certain cases, such as when the cause of death is unclear, the hospital must refer the death to the coroner. If this happens, the medical staff will not be able to issue the MCCD. The coroner’s officer will contact you with further details about next steps and when you’ll be able to register the death.
Collecting Personal Belongings
The belongings of the deceased will typically be collected by the next of kin or a nominated family member. You may be required to sign formal documentation allowing the hospital to release these items to you.
Arranging for the Deceased to Be Taken to a Funeral Home
Once the required documentation is completed, the hospital staff will ask you to contact a funeral director to arrange for your loved one to be transferred to the funeral home. This process may involve:
- Signing a release form authorising the funeral director to take the deceased from the hospital.
- Coordinating with the funeral home you choose, such as H J Newington Funeral Directors, to ensure everything is handled with care and respect.
Our compassionate team will liaise directly with the hospital and handle all arrangements for transporting your loved one with dignity and professionalism.
How We Can Support You
At H J Newington Funeral Directors, we are here to guide you every step of the way. From coordinating with the hospital to organising a fitting farewell for your loved one, our team aims to provide support and comfort during this challenging time.
If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Get in Touch
For compassionate and professional help, contact H J Newington Independent Funeral Directors today. We are here to assist you with all aspects of funeral planning and can provide advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
Whether you’re preparing to make arrangements or simply need more guidance on what to do after a hospital death, we are just a phone call away.
Call 01273 030717, visit branch or arrange a home visit
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The below pages will give you related information about what to do when a Death occurs and how we can help support you.