Hailey Tran
Dying in a hospital is a common occurrence, with around 35% of people passing away in a hospital in the US, according to the latest data from the CDC. When a person dies in a hospital, the first thing that happens is the pronouncement of death. Hospital staff must follow a protocol that includes verifying the identity of the deceased, performing a physical examination to confirm death, and recording the time of death. After the death has been formally pronounced and documented, the body is typically moved to the hospital's morgue, where it is kept at a cold temperature to delay decomposition. The family of the deceased may then view the body and make arrangements for transporting it to their chosen funeral home. Hospital staff are available to provide emotional support and answer any questions that the family may have.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of people dying in a hospital in the U.S. | 35.1% |
| Hospital staff protocol after death | Verify identity, examine the body, record time of death, document and pronounce death |
| Body after death | Washed, cleaned, dressed in dry, clean clothing, removed of IVs and medical equipment |
| Body storage | Hospital morgue, a refrigerated section |
| Body collection | Arranged by the family, or by the chosen funeral director |
| Autopsy | Required if the cause of death needs to be determined |
| Organ donation | Possible if the deceased has registered as an organ donor |
| Death certificate | Issued by the hospital, signed by two doctors |
| Bereavement support | Available from family doctors, support organisations, local council |
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What You'll Learn
Pronouncing the death
Pronouncing death is the first step when someone passes away at the hospital. Although it may seem like a mere technicality, it is a crucial step with an established protocol that hospital staff must follow. This protocol involves the following steps:
- Verifying the identity of the deceased individual using their hospital ID tag.
- Conducting a physical examination, including checking for a response to physical stimuli, listening for a heartbeat, and observing signs of breathing for at least one minute.
- Examining the pupils for responses to light and other stimuli.
- Recording the time of death.
Once the death has been formally pronounced and documented, the next phase begins. Hospital staff will prepare the body by cleaning it, removing any medical devices, and ensuring proper covering and clothing to maintain dignity. The body is then moved to the hospital morgue, a temporary facility that keeps the body at a cold temperature to delay decomposition.
The family of the deceased may view the body in the morgue if they were unable to do so earlier. If an autopsy or physical examination is required to determine the cause of death, the body may be transported to the Coroner's facility. Otherwise, the family will need to arrange for transporting the body to the funeral home.
The hospital staff are available to provide emotional and practical support to the bereaved family members, answering any questions they may have. They can assist in contacting family and friends, and they may also provide information about bereavement support services. Additionally, hospital social workers and pastoral care staff can offer guidance and support during this difficult time.
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Preparing the body
Closing Eyes and Washing the Body
It is common practice for hospital staff to close the eyes of the deceased if needed and wash the body to ensure it is clean. This step may be performed by funeral directors or hospital staff, depending on the circumstances and the preferences of the family.
Removing Medical Devices
Any medical devices attached to the body, such as IVs, tubing, or other equipment, will be removed. This is done to ensure the body is free from any intrusive devices and to make the deceased look more peaceful.
Clothing and Identification
The body will be dressed in clean clothing, including undergarments, and a hospital gown if necessary. Personal clothing may be provided by the family if they wish for their loved one to wear something specific. Identification bracelets or bands are typically left on for identification purposes, and toe tags may also be used.
Transportation to the Morgue
Once the body has been prepared, it will be transported to the hospital's morgue. This is typically done by hospital staff or morgue workers. The morgue serves as a temporary holding facility where the bodies are kept at a cold temperature to delay decomposition.
Viewing the Body
In most cases, the family of the deceased will have the option to view the body in the morgue. This may provide an opportunity for loved ones to say their goodbyes and pay their respects. However, if the death occurred in a surgical room or involved communicable diseases, viewing the body may not be possible, or there may be a waiting period to ensure the safety of the family.
Autopsy and Examination
If an autopsy or physical examination is required to determine the cause of death, the body may be transferred to the Coroner's Office or a medical examiner's facility. In some cases, the family may need to consent to a hospital post-mortem examination, especially if the cause of death needs to be confirmed. However, a coroner's examination may be carried out without consent in certain situations.
Organ Donation
If the deceased registered for organ or tissue donation, the transplant coordinator at the hospital will discuss the next steps with the next of kin. Organ donation procedures must be carried out soon after death.
Documentation and Paperwork
Hospital staff will handle the necessary documentation and paperwork, including death certificates and medical certificates indicating the cause of death. This paperwork is crucial for releasing the body to the chosen funeral home or director, who will then make transportation arrangements.
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Transporting the body
Preparing the Body:
First, hospital staff will prepare the body for transportation. This includes washing the deceased, removing any IV lines or medical equipment, and dressing them in clean clothing or a hospital gown. The hospital staff will also ensure that the person's identity is correctly established through hospital ID tags, bracelets, or toe tags.
Moving to the Morgue:
The body will then be moved to the hospital morgue, which serves as a temporary holding facility. The morgue maintains a cold temperature to delay decomposition. Family members may have the opportunity to view the body in the morgue if they were unable to do so earlier.
Determining Cause of Death:
If the cause of death requires further investigation, the hospital will release the body to the local medical examiner's office, and arrangements for transportation will be made in coordination with the staff and the family. An autopsy or post-mortem examination may be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Arranging Transportation:
Once any necessary examinations are complete, the family will need to make arrangements for transporting the body. Typically, the funeral home chosen by the family will handle these arrangements, working directly with hospital staff to manage the transport and complete the necessary paperwork for releasing the body.
Transport to the Funeral Home:
The funeral home will then transport the body to their facility, where it will be prepared for the funeral or cremation. If the family wishes, they can also arrange for the body to be transported to a chapel of rest until the funeral takes place.
The process of transporting the body from the hospital to its final resting place involves multiple steps, each of which is handled with care and respect by hospital staff, medical examiners, and funeral directors.
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Organ donation
Pronouncement of Death
The first step is to pronounce the death of the individual. Hospital staff follow a strict protocol, including verifying the identity of the deceased, performing physical examinations, and recording the time of death.
Notification of Next of Kin
If the deceased has registered for organ or tissue donation, the hospital staff will inform the named next of kin. Transplant coordinators or ward staff will communicate with the family and explain the procedures.
Medical Evaluation
Medical specialists from organizations like the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) or the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) evaluate the deceased's medical status and history to determine their suitability for organ donation. This evaluation includes reviewing medical charts and examining the manner of death, as the cause of death determines what organs and tissues can be donated.
Organ Allocation and Transplant Surgery
If the deceased is deemed a suitable donor, the next step is to find appropriate recipients. Organizations like UNOS use the donor's medical information, such as blood type, height, weight, and hospital location, to identify the best matches. The organs are then surgically removed and transported to the transplant hospitals, where recipients are waiting. Organ transplant surgery is complex and time-sensitive, often taking place within hours of organ removal.
Post-Transplant Procedures
After the transplants are complete, organizations like OPO and CORE follow up with the donor's family, providing information about the organs donated and the impact made. They also offer ongoing support, including bereavement counseling and memorial events. The donor's family can then proceed with funeral or burial arrangements, which are not affected by organ donation. An open casket funeral is possible, and the donor's identity and that of the recipient(s) remain anonymous unless they choose to share their information.
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Arranging the funeral
Arranging a funeral can be stressful and overwhelming, but it is also an opportunity to gather with loved ones and celebrate the life of the person who has passed away. Here are some steps to help guide you through the process of arranging a funeral for someone who died in a hospital:
Planning the Funeral
Before you begin the organisational process, it is worth taking some time to think and plan. Check if the deceased left any instructions about their preferences, such as whether they wanted to be buried or cremated, or if they had a preferred location for the service. You don't need to wait until after they have passed away to start planning, and sometimes this can bring reassurance to the person who is approaching the end of their life.
Registering the Death and Obtaining Documentation
The first step after a person passes away is the pronouncement of death by hospital staff, which includes verifying the identity of the deceased and recording the time of death. Once the death has been formally pronounced, you will be given a death certificate, which is required to proceed with the funeral arrangements. If the deceased is your next of kin, the hospital staff will inform you and provide support.
Arranging Transportation
If no autopsy or physical examination is required, you will need to arrange for the transportation of the body. Contact the funeral home providing disposition services, and the funeral director will work with the hospital staff to manage the transport and necessary paperwork. If an autopsy is needed, you will need to arrange transportation from the medical examiner's facility once their work is complete.
Choosing a Funeral Director
You can choose to hire a funeral director to arrange the funeral or handle the process yourself. Funeral directors provide advice and support and can help you navigate the various options available. They are legally required to publish a price list for their services.
Financial Considerations
There are financial considerations to keep in mind when arranging a funeral. You should check if the deceased made arrangements for their funeral, such as prepaid funeral plans or life insurance. Additionally, you may need to estimate the value of their estate to determine if there is any Inheritance Tax to pay.
Personalising the Funeral
Remember that there are no set requirements for what a funeral should include. The most important thing is to have a funeral that feels right for honouring the life of the person who has passed away. You can choose the type of service, whether it be religious, spiritual, or non-religious, and personalise it according to their wishes and your preferences.
Arranging a funeral involves several steps, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed during this emotional time. Take time to plan, seek support from loved ones, and remember that the funeral is an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one.
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Frequently asked questions
The first thing that will happen is the pronouncement of death. Hospital staff must follow a protocol that includes verifying the identity of the deceased and recording the time of death.
Hospital staff will make preparations to the body, including cleaning it and removing any medical devices. The body is then typically moved to the hospital morgue, which acts as a temporary holding facility where bodies are kept at a cold temperature to delay decomposition.
In most cases, you will be able to view the body in the hospital or in the morgue. However, if your loved one passed away in a surgical room or had a communicable disease, you may not be able to view the body or may have to wait for a period of time.
If the deceased has registered for organ or tissue donation, the transplant coordinator at the hospital will talk to the next of kin. Organs and tissues for transplantation must be removed soon after death.
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