The information in this section is intended to be of practical help to you. It outlines the things you will need to do and suggests people and organisations that might be able to offer additional support.
- What needs to be done when someone has died in hospital
- Registering the death
- When a post-mortem is required
- Arranging the funeral
- Visiting the Chapel of Rest / viewing room
- Coping with grief and bereavement
- Additional information
- Checklist of people you may need to notify
- Useful contact telephone numbers
Please note that although the death will need to be registered before funeral arrangements can be finalised, you can, nonetheless, begin to make provisional arrangements even before you have collected the Medical certificate of Cause of Death.
The Department of Social Security publishes a leaflet called ‘What to do after a death (D49)’. This is available from your local Job Centre, the Post Office, or the Register Office. This leaflet contains relevant guidance and information and gives details of any financial help which may be available to you.
Bereavement Offices
A booklet “Help for the Bereaved” is available from the Bereavement Offices on both sites. Please ring before your visit so that we can make sure that there is suitable time for you to ask any questions you have and collect the medical certificate or belongings if required.
Ashford Hospital
The Bereavement Office is open by arrangement only, so you will need to telephone 01932 722319 to make an appointment to collect the certificate. The Bereavement Office is on the ground floor of the hospital opposite the main reception desk.
St. Peter’s Hospital
The Bereavement Office is situated to the left of the main Outpatients entrance, near to the hospital bus stops. The Office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please telephone the Office on 01932 722319 to confirm when the certificate will be ready for you to collect.
Visiting the Chapel of Rest at the Mortuary
Please note that due to the current COVID-19 situation, the Trust Mortuary is unable to facilitate any visits to the Chapel of Rest.
When appropriate, It is advisable to discuss viewing with your chosen funeral director.
