If someone dies, what's the first thing you should do?
At the moment, you're probably thinking "I wouldn't know what to do". Strangely enough, the first instinct most people have is to call the ambulance, and as it happens, this is the correct first thing to do, as there may be a chance of resuscitatation.
However, it is actually the job of the family doctor (or a locum if necessary) to confirm the fact of death, and later complete a death certificate (and a cremation certificate if required).
Once the doctor has left, you will then need to contact us to arrange the transfer of the deceased into our care. This can be delayed for a little while if you would like some private time with the deceased, and you shouldn't worry about what time you call, because we are available 24 hours every day of the year. In some cases, and if you wish, our professionally trained staff can perform basic mortuary care on the deceased to enable you to stay with them at your home until the following day.
What happens when someone dies in a hospital or nursing home?
After staff have had the fact of death confirmed, the next of kin are contacted.
If the person died at a public hospital, hospital administration will complete most of the formalities required for the issuing of death and other certificates. The family will need to contact us directly. As most public hospitals have a mortuary we usually move the deceased from the hospital into our care during weekday business hours.
If the person died at a nursing home or private hospital, the staff usually contact us to arrange a prompt transfer as mortuary facilities may not be available.