your loved one has died?

SECTION ONE

1. What happens immediately after your loved one has died?

In the hospice inpatient ward. We will ask you which funeral director you will be using and whether your loved one wanted to be buried or cremated. We will then be able to prepare the necessary documentation for you which includes the certificate of cause of death, and a cremation certificate, if required. This paperwork can usually be collected from the hospice the following working day; the staff will book an appointment with you when the certificate has been completed. At home. Please contact either the District Nursing Service or our Hospice at Home service straight away to verify your loved one’s death (this is different to certifying the death). Please do not phone the ambulance service because if your loved one’s death is not verified they will have to involve other emergency services, which can be very stressful. Once your loved one’s death has been verified you can then contact the funeral director of your choice to take over their care. You will be given a Certificate of Cause of Death by your GP, or a doctor who saw them in the 14 days prior to their death. In certain circumstances it may be necessary for the GP or the hospice to contact the Coroner. If the Coroner becomes involved, they may issue the Certificate of Cause of Death.