A death in hospital may or may not have been expected. Whether the person has died from a chronic (ongoing) illness or a sudden event, hospital staff are available to answer any questions or explain anything you don’t understand.

You should feel free to stay at the hospital with the deceased until you feel the time is right to leave.  Let the hospital staff know when you are ready to leave. The hospital will care for the deceased until arrangements have been made with your chosen funeral director.

When death occurs in a hospital, the staff will ask for details of your chosen funeral director.  If a funeral director has not been selected at this time, you can advise the staff you will contact them when a decision has been made.  If a funeral director has been chosen beforehand, the hospital staff may call them for you if you wish.

The doctor will advise you if the death requires the attention of the coroner.

The funeral director cannot arrange a transfer until a ‘Cause of Death Certificate’ (which is different to the ‘Death Certificate’ issued by your State or Territory’s office of Births, Deaths & Marriages.) has been completed by the attending doctor or medical staff.  Most hospitals have 48 hours (business days) to complete their paperwork and the transfer is usually arranged within a day of the notification that paperwork has been completed.

As most hospitals have a mortuary, they are able to keep your family member in their care until the funeral director organises a transfer during normal working hours.

If you require the services of a ‘Funeral Director’, please use our Business Search facility.