What happens when someone dies at home

Many people are unfamiliar with what must be done following a death. We hope that this information will help to answer your questions about various procedures which must be followed.Your funeral director is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

The functions of the Coroner's Department

When a hospital, doctor or individual advises the Coroner's department of a death, the department will contact the police, who will in turn arrange for the transport of the deceased to the main mortuary. A report is then prepared by the Police for the Coroner. Then the Coroner seeks to establish the cause of death either by contacting the deceased's doctor or by requesting an autopsy. Another function of the Coroner's court is to establish the identity of the deceased person through formal identification. Although this can be done by anyone who knows the deceased, it is necessary that the person making the identification knows the correct spelling of the deceased's name, their age, address and occupation.

When a person dies at home.

If a person dies at home, the first telephone call should be to a doctor. If the person has been treated recently by that doctor, and the doctor is positively able to identify the cause of death, he or she will normally be able to issue a Medical certificate of Death. The next call should be to your funeral director. Your funeral director will take immediate steps to transfer the deceased person to the mortuary and will arrange the registration of death. The funeral director will then take care of all the subsequent funeral arrangements.

When a person dies in hospital

If a person has died in hospital, the attending doctor should be able to sign a Medical certificate of death. Again, once the Medical Certificate of Death. has been signed your funeral director can arrange for transport of the deceased, the registration of death and subsequent funeral arrangements.

When death occurs interstate or overseas

If a person dies interstate or overseas, your funeral director should be notified immediately. he or she should be able to arrange transport of the deceased, and attend to any statutory or customs requirements.

When death is accidental or sudden.

Should a person in apparently good health and not under the care of a doctor die suddenly or as a result of an accident, it is necessary to notify the Coroner.

The importance of a funeral

A funeral is important for family and friends to pay their last respects and support each other during this time of loss. It is the first step in the grieving process.

Burial or Cremation?

We can discuss the choice of burial or cremation with you and provide information to help you make your decision. Often this decision is an emotional one and so relieving your family and friends of the responsibility of making the choice on your behalf is a thoughtful and sensible thing to do.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us on info@peterjjackson.com