What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
A Practical Guide to Understanding What to do When Someone You Know Dies in a Hospital.
When someone dies in hospital, the hospital staff will deal with a number of the immediate arrangements and explain what needs to happen next. You may be contacted by the hospital's bereavement team, who can provide information about the paperwork and procedures that apply.
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For information about the wider steps following a death, including registering the death and arranging a funeral, see our main What to Do When Someone Dies guide linked below.
What Happens When Someone Dies in Hospital?
Following a death, the hospital will make the necessary medical arrangements and ensure that the required procedures are followed. The exact process can vary between hospitals, particularly depending on the circumstances of the death. If you are unsure what you need to do, the hospital's bereavement team should be your first point of contact for information about the death itself.
A doctor will consider the cause of death and, where appropriate, the death will be reviewed through the Medical Examiner process. In some circumstances, the death may need to be referred to the Coroner. This can affect how quickly the necessary paperwork is completed and when the funeral can take place. The hospital will normally provide information about what happens next and who you need to contact.
What Happens to the Person Who Has Died?
Following a death in hospital, the person who has died will normally be taken to the hospital mortuary while the necessary medical and administrative procedures are completed. The hospital will continue to care for them while the appropriate paperwork is being prepared.
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If the death has been referred to the Coroner, different arrangements may apply and the person may remain under the Coroner's care until the necessary enquiries have been completed. The hospital or Coroner's office will explain what is happening and advise you if there are any delays. Once the appropriate authority has been given for the person to be released, your chosen funeral director can make arrangements to bring them into their care.​
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If you're curious about why this happens and what the Coroner's involvement means, you can read our guide to Understanding the Role of the Coroner by following the link below.
What About the Medical Certificate?
If the death is not referred to the Coroner, the hospital will normally arrange the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This is required to register the death. The hospital's bereavement team should explain how the certificate will be provided and what you need to do next.
Procedures can vary between hospitals, so if you have questions about obtaining the certificate, it is best to speak directly to the hospital. Additionally, if the death has been referred to the Coroner, the process is different and you will be advised by the Coroner's office about the next steps.
Can I Visit the Person Who Has Died?
Some hospitals provide facilities for families to spend time with the person who has died before they are taken into the care of the funeral director. It is important to remember that arrangements may vary between hospitals and may depend on the circumstances of the death.
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If you would like to visit, speak to the hospital's bereavement team, who can explain what facilities are available and whether an appointment is required. Once the person has been brought into our care, we can also explain the arrangements available for a private visit.
What Happens to Any Personal Belongings?
The hospital will normally arrange for personal belongings to be returned to the appropriate family member or representative. This can include clothing, jewellery, medication or other possessions that were with the person when they died.
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The hospital should explain how and when belongings can be collected. If you are unsure who to contact about a particular item, speak to the ward or bereavement team.
Do I Need to Contact a Funeral Director?
You can contact a funeral director as soon as you feel ready. You do not need to wait until every piece of paperwork has been completed before speaking to us.
By contacting us early, we can discuss your wishes, explain what will happen next and begin making the funeral arrangements. The hospital will deal with the medical and administrative procedures relating to the death. Our role begins with arranging the funeral and taking care of the practical arrangements on your behalf.
When Can the Funeral Be Arranged?
You can begin discussing the funeral with Clive Pugh Funeral Directors while the hospital's procedures are being completed. You can begin discussing the funeral with Clive Pugh Funeral Directors while the hospital's procedures are being completed. Once everything is in place, we can confirm the date and continue with the arrangements.
Our Role as Your Funeral Director
If someone has died in hospital, you do not need to deal with the funeral arrangements on your own. Once you appoint Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we'll take responsibility for the practical arrangements and act as your main point of contact throughout the process.
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Depending on the circumstances, we can:
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Liaise with the hospital and its bereavement team.
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Arrange for the person who has died to be brought into our care when they can be released.
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Discuss whether you wish to arrange a burial or cremation.
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Make arrangements with the chosen cemetery, churchyard or crematorium.
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Arrange the funeral service and liaise with the minister or celebrant.
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Organise the hearse, funeral vehicles and other services required.
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Arrange flowers, orders of service, music and other funeral details.
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Keep you informed as arrangements are confirmed.
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Our role is to take care of the practical organisation and make sure the different parts of the funeral come together as planned, while giving you clear information about anything that needs your decision. If you need straightforward advice about arranging a funeral after a death in a hospital, contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors.
If Someone Has Died Elsewhere?
The steps following a death can vary depending on where the person died. We have separate guides covering the arrangements following a death at home, in hospital or in a care home. They discuss what happens immediately afterwards, when to contact a funeral director, and more.
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If you need information about what to do after a death in circumstances not covered above, our main What to Do When Someone Dies guide provides further information about the steps that follow.
If You Need Advice Following a Death in a Hospital
If someone has died and you're unsure what needs to happen next, Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can provide straightforward advice and explain the arrangements that need to be made. You don't need to have everything decided before you speak to us. We can discuss your circumstances, answer your questions and explain the next steps, including arranging for the person who has died to be brought into our care when appropriate.
If you need advice about arranging a funeral no matter where a person has died, contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors when you're ready. We can support you at every stage of the process.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact a funeral director after a death in hospital?
You can contact a funeral director as soon as you feel ready. You do not need to wait until all of the hospital's paperwork has been completed before discussing the funeral arrangements.
Can I choose any funeral director if the person died in hospital?
Yes. You are free to choose the funeral director you want to arrange the funeral, regardless of which hospital the person died in.
Does the hospital arrange the funeral?
No. The hospital deals with the medical and administrative procedures following the death. The funeral arrangements are made separately with the funeral director you choose.
Do I need to speak to the hospital myself?
The hospital will need to provide certain information and paperwork directly, but we can liaise with the relevant hospital staff as part of arranging the funeral. We'll explain if there is anything you need to deal with personally.
What if I don't know whether the death has been referred to the Coroner?
The hospital should tell you if the death has been referred to the Coroner. If you're unsure, speak to the hospital's bereavement team. We can also explain how a Coroner's involvement may affect the funeral arrangements.
Can Clive Pugh Funeral Directors collect the person from hospital?
Yes. Once the hospital has completed the necessary procedures and the person can be released, we can arrange for them to be brought into our care.