What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital

What do I do when someone dies in hospital?

Hospital staff confirm the death and prepare the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). You use this medical certificate to register the death with the local registrar, who will then issue the official death certificate. You'll receive personal belongings and documents. No rush—bodies can stay in the hospital mortuary for several days. Contact a funeral director to collect the body, register the death within 5 days, and notify family. Bereavement services offer paperwork and emotional support.

Medical certificate 24-48 hours: Issued by treating doctor for straightforward cases—may take longer if consultations needed, delayed days/weeks if post-mortem required
Cannot proceed without certificate: MUST have medical certificate to register death (within 5 days) and arrange funeral—hospital death cannot be registered until certificate issued
Bereavement services support: Dedicated hospital team explains next steps, helps with paperwork, arranges belongings collection, coordinates mortuary, provides funeral director contacts
Post-mortem sometimes required: Hospital post-mortem (you can decline, for medical learning) vs Coroner post-mortem (mandatory, cannot refuse if unclear cause/sudden death/during surgery)
Mortuary viewing available: Family viewing allowed during normal hours—staff prepare your loved one appropriately, can bring flowers, take as much time as needed
Belongings collection: Hospital stores all personal items safely—collect when ready with photo ID (jewellery, clothing, glasses, dentures, phones)—medication disposed of by hospital

Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.

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When someone dies in hospital, the staff will guide you through the immediate steps. This guide explains what to expect from hospital bereavement services and helps you understand the process ahead.

Key points at a glance:

Hospital staff will handle immediate procedures
Bereavement services will support you through next steps
You'll receive the medical certificate of cause of death
Personal belongings can be collected when you're ready
Post-mortem may be required in some circumstances
The body will be moved to the hospital mortuary

Immediate aftermath
Hospital bereavement services
Medical certificate
Collecting belongings
Mortuary arrangements
When post-mortem is required
Next steps

Immediate aftermath

When someone dies in hospital, the medical team will:

Confirm the death and note the time
Contact the next of kin if you're not already there
Give you time and privacy with your loved one
Remove medical equipment respectfully
Begin the administrative process

You don't need to rush. Take the time you need to say goodbye and begin processing what's happened.

Remember:

Hospital staff are experienced in supporting bereaved families. They understand this is one of the most difficult experiences you'll face.

Hospital bereavement services

Most hospitals have dedicated bereavement services that will:

Explain what happens next in a clear, compassionate way
Help you understand the paperwork and processes
Arrange for you to collect personal belongings
Coordinate with the hospital mortuary
Provide contact details for funeral directors
Offer emotional support and counselling services

What they'll ask you:

Which funeral director you'd like to use (if you have a preference)
Whether you want to arrange viewing at the hospital
When you'd like to collect belongings
Contact details for other family members
Any religious or cultural requirements

Getting the medical certificate

The medical certificate of cause of death will be completed by:

The doctor who was treating the person
Another doctor who knew them well
A doctor who examined them after death

Timeline for the certificate:

Usually within 24-48 hours for straightforward cases
May take longer if additional consultations are needed
Delayed if post-mortem required - could be days or weeks

You cannot register the death or arrange the funeral without this certificate.

Collecting personal belongings

The hospital will safely store all personal belongings. When collecting them:

Bring photo identification
You may need to sign for valuable items
Clothing may have been cut during medical treatment
Dentures, glasses, and hearing aids should be included
Any medication will be disposed of safely by the hospital

What's typically returned:

Jewellery and watches
Clothing and shoes
Personal items like phones, wallets, keys
Dentures, glasses, hearing aids
Any books or comfort items

Take someone with you if possible - collecting belongings can be emotionally difficult.

Hospital mortuary arrangements

After death, your loved one will be moved to the hospital mortuary where they'll be cared for with dignity.

Viewing arrangements:

Most hospitals allow family viewing
Usually available during normal working hours
Staff will prepare your loved one appropriately
You can bring flowers or small mementos
Take as much time as you need

Body release:

Your chosen funeral director will collect the body
This happens once the medical certificate is ready
The hospital coordinates directly with funeral directors
Usually within 2-7 days, depending on circumstances

When post-mortem is required

A post-mortem examination may be necessary if:

The cause of death is unclear
Death occurred during surgery or medical procedure
There are concerns about medical care
The coroner requests it
Death was sudden and unexpected

Hospital post-mortem vs Coroner post-mortem

Hospital post-mortem: You can consent to or decline this. It's done for medical learning.

Coroner post-mortem: This is mandatory when ordered by the coroner. You cannot refuse it.

Your next steps

Once you have the medical certificate:

Choose a funeral director - the hospital can provide recommendations
Register the death - within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
Order death certificates - you'll need several copies
Begin funeral planning - consider the person's wishes
Use Tell Us Once service - to notify government departments

Hospital Death Checklist

At the Hospital

Meet with bereavement services team
Understand medical certificate timeline
Arrange to collect personal belongings
Consider mortuary viewing arrangements

After Receiving Medical Certificate

Choose and contact funeral director
Register death at local register office
Order multiple death certificate copies
Begin planning funeral service

Hospital Support

Hospital bereavement services are there to guide you through this difficult time. Don't hesitate to ask questions or request additional support. Many hospitals also offer counselling services and spiritual care.