If the death occurs in hospital

If the death occurs in hospital, hospital staff will contact the deceased's next of kin. This may be a relative or friend.

You may, if you wish, ask to see the hospital chaplain.

The hospital will keep the body in the hospital mortuary until the executor arranges for it to be taken away.

Most funeral directors have a Chapel of Rest in which the deceased will stay while the funeral is arranged. Hospital staff will arrange for the nearest relative to collect the deceased's possessions.