Hailey Tran
When a person dies, there are several important steps that need to be taken to notify the relevant authorities and organisations. This process can be challenging and stressful, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the necessary procedures. Typically, the hospital staff or funeral home will notify the government and other agencies, but it is important to confirm that this has been done. This involves contacting various organisations, including banks, credit card companies, and government programmes, and providing them with the necessary information and documentation, such as the death certificate. In addition, if the deceased was a veteran or a US citizen who died abroad, there are specific departments that need to be informed. It is also important to be mindful of the language used when notifying family members of the death, as well as potential cultural differences in the grieving process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who notifies the family | Hospital staff notify the next of kin |
| How is the family notified | Telephone notification is common but can be in-person |
| What to say to the family | Use clear and direct language, no medical jargon |
| What to do if family wants to see the body | Arrange for someone to meet them and provide contact information for a clinician or hospital official |
| What to do with the deceased's belongings | The family member may be asked to sign formal documents to receive the deceased's belongings |
| What to do with the body | Contact a funeral director to arrange collection from the hospital |
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What You'll Learn
Hospital staff will notify the next of kin
If a person dies in a hospital, the hospital staff will notify the next of kin. Bereavement staff at the hospital will coordinate the issue of documentation and explain the procedures to the next of kin. In some hospitals, this may be done by the ward staff. The hospital staff will inform the next of kin about the procedures and documents involved in the process. The next of kin will be required to sign formal documents so that the belongings of the deceased can be handed over to them.
In some cases, the hospital medical staff will refer the death to the coroner, who will then provide information about registering the death. The next of kin will then need to contact a funeral director to arrange for the deceased to be collected from the hospital. The hospital staff will also inform the next of kin about organ donation procedures if the deceased had registered for organ or tissue donation. The transplant coordinator at the hospital will discuss the process with the next of kin, as organs and tissues for transplantation must be removed soon after death.
In most states, health care professionals are required to consult with immediate family members about a patient if the patient is unable to speak for themselves. This is known as the next-of-kin statute. In such cases, the hospital may consult with adult relatives or close friends of the patient. However, due to increased HIPAA privacy laws, even the next of kin may not be able to access patient information or make treatment decisions without a health care directive in place.
In the absence of a health care directive, medical professionals are obligated to take heroic measures to prolong life. This can be avoided by including specific instructions in a health care directive. A health care directive allows individuals to make their wishes known regarding medical treatment, end-of-life care, and organ donation. It is a critical component of estate planning and ensures that loved ones can fulfill an individual's wishes even when they cannot communicate them.
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The hospital will coordinate organ donation
If the deceased had registered to be an organ donor, the hospital will coordinate the donation process. The hospital staff will inform the next of kin about the procedure. Many hospitals have bereavement staff who coordinate the issue of documentation and explain the procedures. The transplant coordinator at the hospital will talk to the next of kin as the organs and tissues for transplantation must be removed soon after death. The hospital will notify CORE (Center for Organ Recovery & Education), which will review the donor's medical condition and history to determine what can be donated. If the person is a candidate for organ donation, a CORE organ procurement coordinator will review the medical chart and, if appropriate, speak with the next of kin.
CORE coordinates the recovery of organs, tissues, and corneas for transplant. The donor's family authorises the donation, and the legal next of kin signs a donor authorisation form. The CORE coordinator, along with the hospital staff, maintains the donor medically. They provide information on the organs available for donation, the donor's blood type, and body size to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS then matches the donated organs to potential recipients based on blood type, body size, medical urgency, and length of time on the waiting list.
Once a recipient has been identified, their transplant centre will receive an electronic notification offering the donor organ. The transplant team will decide whether to accept the organ. If they accept, they will coordinate with the Host Organ Procurement Organisation (OPO) and arrange for two operating rooms to be available for the donor and recipient as soon as possible. A specialised surgical team will respectfully recover the organs and tissues from the donor, ensuring that the donor's body remains in a fit condition for the funeral procedure chosen by the family. The team will preserve the organs in special containers and deliver them to the recipient's transplant hospital.
The donor's family can then proceed with funeral or burial plans, which are not affected by organ donation. It is possible to have an open casket funeral after organ donation.
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Hospital bereavement staff will help with documentation
If a person dies in a hospital, the hospital staff will inform the next of kin. Hospitals usually have dedicated bereavement staff who coordinate the issue of documentation and explain the procedures. In some hospitals, this may be handled by the ward staff. Bereavement staff will help with the documentation required after a death, but it's important to remember that preparing these documents takes time. Only medical staff who were directly involved in the patient's care can complete them.
Most hospitals operate an appointment system for collecting documents and the belongings of the deceased. You may be asked to sign formal documents to receive the belongings of the deceased. Bereavement staff will also be able to provide information about the process of registering the death. In some cases, the hospital medical staff will refer the death to the coroner, and the coroner's officer will give you further information about registering the death.
The bereavement staff will also be able to provide information about the next steps, such as arranging for a funeral director to collect the deceased from the hospital. They can also provide support and guidance to the family of the deceased, including information about organ donation if the deceased had registered as an organ donor.
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A coroner may need to be involved
In some cases, hospital medical staff will have to refer the death to a coroner. A coroner is a government official who investigates deaths under certain circumstances. A coroner may need to be involved if the death was due to unnatural causes or if the deceased was not treated by a doctor in the last 28 days. The coroner will first gather information to determine whether the death was due to natural causes and if a doctor can certify the medical cause of death. If the coroner decides that a post-mortem examination is necessary, they will order one to be carried out by a pathologist, who will determine the cause of death. The coroner will release the body for the funeral once they have completed their examinations and investigations.
If the coroner is satisfied that the death was from natural causes and no further investigation is necessary, they may accept the medical cause of death provided by a doctor and issue a coroner's notification to allow the death to be registered. The coroner may also release the body for the funeral and send the necessary forms to the registrar, stating the cause of death.
If the deceased's body is not collected from the hospital within three months of contact, the hospital will inform the coroner's liaison officer, who will clarify arrangements with the family. The coroner's liaison officer is there to provide support and help communicate with the coroner. The coroner's post-mortem examination is usually carried out as soon as possible after death, and the coroner will inform you of when and where it will take place.
The coroner's post-mortem examination involves an external and internal examination of the body, including the removal and examination of major internal organs. In most cases, the organs are returned to the body afterward. However, small tissue samples may be retained for further examination and testing. The funeral director will be able to inform you if there are any visible signs of the examination before you view the body.
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Telephone notification is a challenging task
The unpredictability of variables during a phone call adds to the challenge. For example, the notifier must be prepared to deal with the grief responses of family members, which can include anger and hysteria. It is also difficult for the notifier when the cause of death is unknown, which is common in emergency department deaths. The notifier must be empathetic and allow time for questions, as the family will recall the conversation for years to come.
Additionally, telephone notification does not allow for the same level of interaction as direct personal contact. This can make it harder to gauge the family's reaction and provide support. It is also more difficult to ensure that the news is delivered clearly and that the family fully understands.
To make the process easier, it is recommended to have clear and direct communication. Avoid using terms like "expired", "passed away", or "didn't make it", as these can be misinterpreted. Instead, use clear language, such as "I'm sorry, [name] has just died." It is also important to be prepared before making the call, including reviewing the death pronouncement protocol and confirming the patient's identity and relevant information.
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Frequently asked questions
If the deceased has died in hospital, the hospital staff will inform the next of kin. The hospital staff will also inform you if the deceased had registered to be an organ donor. If the death was sudden or unexpected, the hospital may refer the case to a coroner.
If you are a hospital staff member, it is important to be empathetic and clear when speaking to the family of the deceased. Do not leave a message on an answering machine or voicemail. If you are unable to make contact, ask a hospital representative, such as a social worker, to assist you in locating the family.
When notifying the family, provide clear information including the patient's name, age, gender, and identification numbers. Confirm the death and provide the family with the contact information of someone who can answer their questions.
If the deceased has registered for organ or tissue donation, a transplant coordinator will speak to the next of kin. Organs and tissues for transplantation must be removed soon after death.
