On the day

On the day

In most cases where a person dies in the Emergency Department, it is because of sudden and unexpected reasons, therefore it is important to find out why the death has happened.

In most cases of sudden death in this department, the nursing staff informs the police who act on behalf of the Coroner’s Office. A police officer will attend the Emergency Department as soon as possible and will explain the procedures that have to be completed before a funeral can take place. Police officers work on behalf of the Coroner to investigate circumstances surrounding a sudden death. By law they have procedures which they are required to follow, some of which may seem inappropriate or insensitive during this difficult time.

During this visit, it will be necessary for someone to confirm the identity of the person that has died so there can be no possibility of mistaken identity. This identification can be done in the Emergency Department or the hospital Mortuary.

Often relatives wish to see the deceased and this identification procedure can be carried out at the same time, however, it is not essential that a relative does this. If it is too distressing, then another person who knew the deceased can confirm their identity.

There is a telephone available in the Emergency Department should you wish to contact other relatives or friends.