If the Death Occurs in Hospital

If the death occurs in hospital it is usual for the hospital staff to contact the person named by the deceased as next of kin. This may be a relative or a friend.
If you have been named as next of kin, hospital staff will arrange a convenient time for you to attend the hospital where you will be asked to formally identify the body. The hospital will have its own mortuary where the body will be kept until the executor or someone acting on their behalf arranges for it to be taken away. You may, if you wish, request to see the hospital chaplain.
Hospital staff will arrange for the deceased’s possessions to be collected by the nearest relative. The hospital will:

• issue a Medical Certificate if the cause of death is quite clear
• Or, in a minority of cases, report the death to the coroner and make arrangements for a post mortem if required.