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What to do when someone dies
Immediately after the death When a death occurs many people are unsure what to do next and who to contact and when. If the patient was in hospital at the time of death You will often be given an opportunity to spend some time with the deceased on the ward before they’re taken to the mortuary. The ward staff will tell you the procedure of how to collect any personal belongings and obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), as you need this to be able to register the death, unless a Coroner is involved. Most hospitals also have a viewing room and this is often called the chapel of rest. You will usually need an appointment to see someone in the viewing room, which is often The death is often both natural and expected. If this is the case, a doctor who has been looking after the patient will be able to issue a MCCD. Staff at the nursing home will talk you through the procedure. You may call a funeral director when you are ready to do so. It is possible to keep the deceased at home but we would recommend discussing this with us before deciding to do this. If someone has died in a public place or at home If the death was not expected, the person may be taken to hospital by ambulance if resuscitation is attempted. The police will also attend and if death is confirmed at the scene they will notify the Coroner. A funeral director will move the deceased for the Coroner. This is usually to the nearest large hospital but some cities have public mortuaries. If you have not been given a contact number, a Coroner’s officer will phone you, usually on the next working day. Ask them if you wish to see your relative. It is not necessary for you to register the death before you make the funeral arrangements. arranged by the hospital’s bereavement service. If someone has died in a nursing home
Immediate concerns
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