What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
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.
- 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
Contents
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.
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.
Related Guides
You might also find these guides helpful
What to Do When Someone Dies
A practical step-by-step guide to handling death admin in the UK — from the first 5 days to dealing with the estate.
What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
Step-by-step guide for handling a death at home, including who to call, what to expect, and immediate next steps.
Emergency Checklist: First Day After Death
Critical tasks for the first 24 hours after someone dies. A clear, prioritized checklist when you're overwhelmed.