When someone dies in hospital or a hospice.

In the first hours

A doctor or nurse will confirm the death. The staff will usually let you stay at the bedside for a while, and they will explain what happens next. If you were not there, they will call you.

You will be asked which funeral director you would like. If you are not sure yet, that is fine: tell them you will let them know. When you have chosen us, call us and we will make the arrangements with the hospital directly.

The bereavement office

Most hospitals have a bereavement office, open on weekdays. They will return the person’s belongings, explain the paperwork, and tell you when the medical certificate has gone to the medical examiner.

The doctor sends the certificate to the NHS medical examiner, who will usually phone you to explain the cause of death and answer any questions. After that, the certificate is passed to the register office.

When we bring them into our care

Once the hospital is ready to release them, usually after the medical examiner has finished, we collect them from the hospital mortuary and bring them to our chapel of rest in Welshpool. We will let you know when they are with us, and you can visit them there by appointment.

In a hospice

Hospice staff, including at Severn Hospice in Newtown, Shrewsbury and Telford, are experienced and kind, and will guide you through the first hours. You can usually stay with them for longer than in a hospital, and there is often a quiet room for the family. Call us when you are ready, and we will come to the hospice.