When Death Occurs

The loss of a loved one can be emotional and overwhelming, whether the death was sudden or expected. In the first hours, even basic decisions can feel staggering. This guide walks you through what typically needs to happen in the first twenty-four hours, so you know what to expect and where to turn. For more detail on the steps that follow, please see our Burial Services and Cremation Services pages.

When Death Occurs Outside a Medical Facility

If death occurs outside a medical facility and the person was not under the care of a medical practitioner, the police must be notified immediately. An officer will be dispatched to the location and will contact the District Medical Officer (DMO). The DMO then determines whether the body should be taken to the nearest public hospital or another facility for a post-mortem or further investigation. A funeral home cannot retrieve a body until the required documents and approvals have been received. If the person was under hospice care or the regular care of a medical practitioner, the police must still be notified; they will contact the practitioner to confirm the care arrangement, and once a Medical Certificate for the Cause of Death is completed by the doctor, approval can be given for the funeral home to remove the body.

When Death Occurs at a Medical Facility

When a death takes place in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility, the staff will notify the family immediately. The attending physician or doctor on call completes the forms that allow arrangements to begin. Once those forms are in hand, you can contact our funeral home and speak with any of our Funeral Coordinators, Managers, or Directors to arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care. Our team is available around the clock so that no family has to wait for support during this difficult first step.

Benefits, Grants, and Documentation

We are here to help at every stage, including guiding you through the procedures for claiming social welfare, the NIB Funeral Grant, and any other benefits that require a formal invoice. Because we have supported families through these processes for many years, we know exactly what documents are needed, where they must go, and how to keep the paperwork from becoming yet another source of stress. You can rely on our team's experience to ensure your finalisation of arrangements is as pleasant and hassle-free as possible during a painful time.