Death in Hospital
If Someone Dies in Hospital, What Should You Do?
If someone dies in hospital, the hospital's medical and bereavement teams will guide you through the immediate next steps. They will explain how the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued, when the death can be registered and how personal belongings can be collected.
You can contact Bridgwater Funerals at any stage after your loved one's death. We regularly support families following deaths at Musgrove Park Hospital and other hospitals across Somerset, helping to arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care and guiding you through the funeral arrangements.
Although there are practical matters to deal with, you don't have to manage them alone. We'll explain everything clearly and support you at every stage.
What Happens Immediately After a Death in Hospital?
If you are the next of kin, hospital staff will usually contact you as soon as possible, whether or not you were with your loved one when they died.
If the death occurs at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, or another hospital serving Bridgwater and Somerset, the ward team or bereavement office will explain the immediate next steps.
They'll tell you:
- What happens next.
- When you can visit your loved one.
- How to collect personal belongings.
- What happens with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
Your loved one will usually remain in the hospital mortuary until arrangements are made for them to be transferred into the care of your chosen funeral director.
When you're ready, Bridgwater Funerals will liaise with the hospital on your behalf and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care with dignity and respect.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Death in Hospital
Step 1: Speak to the Ward or Bereavement Team
The hospital's bereavement team will explain what happens over the coming days.
They'll usually discuss:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- The Medical Examiner process.
- Collecting personal belongings.
- Whether the death needs to be referred to the coroner.
Don't worry if you don't remember everything. There will be opportunities to ask questions later, and Bridgwater Funerals is always available to explain anything you're unsure about.
Step 2: The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Before a death can be registered, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death must usually be completed.
The hospital will let you know when the necessary paperwork has been finalised and what you need to do next.
If the death is referred to the coroner, the process may take a little longer. We'll explain what this means and help you understand the next steps.
Step 3: Contact Bridgwater Funerals Services
Many families contact us before they're ready to think about the funeral itself.
Often, they simply want someone to explain what happens next and reassure them that they're doing the right things.
When you call Bridgwater Funerals, we'll:
- Listen to your concerns.
- Explain the next steps clearly.
- Liaise with the hospital on your behalf.
- Arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care.
- Answer any questions you have.
There is no pressure to make immediate decisions. Our role is to support you from the moment you need us.
Here When You Need Us
If someone has died and you need help making funeral arrangements, Bridgwater Funeral Services is here to guide you through the next steps with care and understanding.
When Should You Contact a Funeral Director?
There is no need to wait until every document has been completed before contacting a funeral director.
Many families find it reassuring to speak with Bridgwater Funerals soon after the death, even if the hospital is still completing the necessary paperwork.
We'll explain:
- What happens next.
- When your loved one can be transferred into our care.
- How funeral arrangements work.
- The registration process.
- What support is available for you and your family.
As an independent funeral director serving Bridgwater, Taunton and communities across Somerset, we're here whenever you need advice.
What if the Death Is Referred to the Coroner?
Some hospital deaths must legally be referred to the coroner.
This may happen if:
- The cause of death isn't clear.
- The death was sudden or unexpected.
- Further investigations are required.
Although this can feel worrying, it doesn't necessarily mean anything unusual has happened. It simply means the legal process needs to be followed.
If you've chosen Bridgwater Funeral Services, we'll work closely with the hospital and coroner's office, keeping you informed throughout.
Can Bridgwater Funerals Collect From Any Hospital?
Yes.
We regularly bring loved ones into our care from hospitals across Somerset and beyond, including:
- Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
- Bridgwater Community Hospital
- Yeovil Hospital
- Weston General Hospital
- Bristol hospitals
If your loved one has died elsewhere in the UK, we can also arrange for them to be brought into our care.
We'll liaise directly with the hospital wherever possible, giving you one less thing to think about during an already difficult time.
What Happens Next?
Once your loved one has been brought into our care, Bridgwater Funerals will guide you through every stage of arranging a meaningful funeral.
We'll help you with:
- Registering the death.
- Planning the funeral service.
- Understanding the paperwork.
- Informing organisations.
- Finding bereavement support if needed.
Whether you're planning a traditional funeral, woodland burial, military funeral or horse-drawn funeral, we'll take the time to understand your wishes and support you throughout.
Ready to Make Funeral Arrangements?
When you are ready, our team can guide you through the arrangements, explain the choices available and help you plan a meaningful farewell for your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be at the hospital when my loved one dies?
No. The hospital will contact the next of kin and explain what happens next.
How long does it take to receive the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?
In many cases, it is completed within a few days, although this depends on the circumstances and whether the Medical Examiner or coroner needs to be involved.
Can I choose any funeral director after a hospital death?
Yes. You are free to choose any funeral director. Bridgwater Funerals regularly supports families following deaths at Musgrove Park Hospital and hospitals throughout Somerset.
Can Bridgwater Funerals collect my loved one from Musgrove Park Hospital?
Yes. We regularly liaise with Musgrove Park Hospital and other local hospitals to arrange for loved ones to be transferred into our care.
What if the hospital refers the death to the coroner?
The coroner will explain the process and keep you informed. Bridgwater Funerals will also work alongside the relevant authorities and support you throughout.
How to collect personal belongings of a loved one?
The hospital will safely look after your loved one's belongings until they can be collected.
The bereavement office will explain:
- When they can be collected.
- Where to collect them.
- Whether identification is needed.
If your loved one was cared for at Musgrove Park Hospital, the bereavement team will explain the process before your visit.
