Expected Death in Hospital in Leicester

What to do when someone dies in hospital

If your loved one has died in hospital and their death was expected, the hospital staff will guide you through the first steps. We are also here to support you, answer your questions and help arrange the funeral when the time is right.

At Bay Tree Funeral Directors in Blaby, Leicester, our family team is available 24 hours a day to help families across Leicester and Leicestershire.

For immediate help or advice, please call 0116 278 8868. You will speak directly to a member of our family team who will guide you through what happens next.

Call 0116 278 8868

1. The hospital will confirm the death

When someone dies in hospital, the doctors and hospital bereavement team will usually take care of the first medical steps. They will confirm the death and explain what happens next.

If the death was expected, the hospital doctor will usually complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This certificate is needed before the death can be registered.

2. The hospital bereavement team will advise you

Most hospitals have a bereavement office or bereavement team who will contact the family and explain the next steps. They may advise you when the medical certificate is ready and how to arrange registration of the death.

You can contact Bay Tree Funeral Directors at any stage for guidance. Even if the hospital paperwork is not yet complete, we can explain what is likely to happen next and help you feel prepared.

3. If the death is referred to the coroner

Sometimes a hospital death may need to be referred to the coroner. This can happen if the cause of death is unclear, if the death was sudden or unexpected, or if the doctor is unable to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

If this happens, please try not to worry. The hospital or coroner’s office will explain the process, and we can support you while the necessary steps are completed.

4. Your loved one will usually remain at the hospital

Your loved one will usually remain in the hospital mortuary or hospital chapel of rest until the necessary paperwork has been completed and the hospital is ready to release them into our care.

Once the hospital has confirmed that your loved one can be released, we can arrange to bring them into our care and take them to our chapel of rest in Blaby, Leicester.

5. Registering the death

Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued, the death will need to be registered. This is usually done by a close relative or someone who is legally able to register the death.

The hospital bereavement team will usually explain how to register the death. We can also guide you through this step and direct you to the correct registration service for Leicester or Leicestershire.

You may also find our registering a death guide helpful.

6. Bringing your loved one into our care

When the hospital paperwork is complete and your loved one can be released, Bay Tree Funeral Directors can arrange the transfer from the hospital to our chapel of rest.

Our team will treat your loved one with dignity, care and respect at every stage. We will also explain how you can visit the chapel of rest if you would like to spend time with them before the funeral.

7. Arranging the funeral

You do not have to make every decision straight away. When you feel ready, we can arrange an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or speak with you over the phone.

We will listen to your wishes, explain your options clearly and help arrange a funeral that reflects your loved one’s life, beliefs and personality.

To speak with us or book an appointment, please call 0116 278 8868.

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Expected Death in Hospital FAQs

Who should I speak to first when someone dies in hospital?

The hospital doctors, ward staff or bereavement team will usually guide you through the first steps. You can also call Bay Tree Funeral Directors on 0116 278 8868 for advice and support.

When can the funeral director bring my loved one into care?

We can bring your loved one into our care once the hospital paperwork is complete and the hospital confirms they can be released.

What happens if the death is referred to the coroner?

If the death is referred to the coroner, there may be additional checks before the paperwork can be completed. We can explain the process and support your family while this takes place.

Do I need to register the death before arranging the funeral?

The death will need to be registered once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued. You can still contact us before registration if you need guidance or wish to discuss funeral arrangements.

Can I book an appointment to arrange the funeral?

Yes. Please call 0116 278 8868 to book an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or to speak with us over the phone.