Tessa Quinn
Hospitals will typically contact a patient's next of kin in the event of their death or if they are incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. The purpose of nominating a next of kin is to establish a reliable point of contact, and hospitals are generally flexible about who patients choose to nominate. This can be a close family member, another relative, or a friend. If a patient is unable to provide their next of kin, hospitals will attempt to locate their closest living relative. While a next of kin can provide guidance on the patient's wishes, they cannot give consent to providing or withholding care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When a person dies in hospital | Hospitals will contact the next of kin of the deceased |
| When a person is in a critical state | Hospitals will contact the next of kin if the person is in a state where they are unable to make decisions for themselves, e.g., in a coma |
| When the next of kin is not designated | Hospitals will attempt to locate the closest living relative |
| When the next of kin has specific requests | Hospitals will try to accommodate personal and cultural requests |
| When there is no next of kin | Hospitals will make medical decisions on behalf of the patient |
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What You'll Learn
If the patient is unconscious
If a patient is unconscious, hospitals will attempt to identify their next of kin or medical power of attorney. Hospitals prefer to find a legal spokesperson so that they do not have to make end-of-life treatment decisions without knowing the patient's wishes.
If the patient has a health care directive or health care power of attorney, the hospital will consult this to identify the person authorised to make health care decisions. In the absence of such a document, the hospital may consult the patient's immediate family members or adult relatives and close friends, depending on the state laws.
If the patient is unable to communicate who their next of kin is, the hospital may try to identify them through their ID, phone, or purse. If the patient is in the hospital's system, the hospital may already have their next of kin's contact information. If not, the hospital staff may try to find the next of kin via social media or national forums.
In some cases, the patient may have been brought to the hospital by an assisted living facility, in which case the facility is responsible for contacting the next of kin.
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If the patient has died
If a patient has died, hospitals will inform the next of kin. In some cases, the hospital may have to refer the death to a coroner, which could delay the process of informing the next of kin. The next of kin will need to formally identify the deceased and may need to give permission for a hospital post-mortem examination if the cause of death is unclear. If the deceased registered for organ or tissue donation, the hospital's transplant coordinator will speak to the next of kin, as organs and tissues must be removed soon after death. The next of kin will be consulted and encouraged to support the deceased's decision; if no decision was recorded, the next of kin will be asked to make a decision.
The next of kin will be provided with emotional and practical support by hospital staff. Hospitals often have bereavement staff who coordinate the issue of documentation and explain procedures, or this may be done by ward staff. Hospitals usually operate an appointment system for collecting documents and belongings. The next of kin must register the death at a local register office within five days, unless the death has been referred to a coroner. A death certificate will be provided, allowing the next of kin to proceed with funeral arrangements.
In some cases, the next of kin may not be contacted until several days after the patient has died. This could be due to a lack of information about the patient's identity or emergency contacts. Hospitals are obligated to contact the next of kin about medical matters, but this may not always be possible in emergency situations.
Receiving news of a death over the phone can be distressing, and hospitals usually prefer to have face-to-face conversations with the next of kin. However, this may not always be possible, especially if the context is different, such as in a hospice or if the next of kin is notified by the police.
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To make funeral arrangements
When someone dies, the next of kin is usually responsible for making funeral arrangements. The next of kin is typically a spouse or life partner, parent, child, or other close relative. However, anyone can arrange a funeral, and this person will be responsible for settling the bill, which may be covered by the deceased's estate.
If the deceased has written a will, they may have detailed their preferred funeral arrangements and designated a specific person to carry them out. In this case, the person named in the will is legally bound to make and pay for the funeral arrangements, and the funeral home is legally bound to follow their instructions.
If there is no will, the next of kin will take responsibility for the funeral arrangements. In cases where there is no next of kin or the next of kin waives their responsibility, the local authority that oversees the place where the person died will arrange a public health funeral. This involves registering the death and arranging a simple burial or cremation, usually without additional costs for a hearse, flowers, or memorial events.
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To finalise the death certificate
Hospitals will contact the next of kin of a deceased patient to finalise the death certificate. The next of kin is typically the closest living relative of the deceased, but individuals can nominate a close family member, another relative, or a friend. This person will be responsible for registering the death and finalising funeral arrangements.
After a patient has passed away in the hospital, the Medical Examiners Office will attempt to contact the deceased's next of kin. The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a crucial legal document that must be signed by the treating doctor, indicating the cause of death. However, doctors may not always complete the paperwork immediately, and in some cases, they may need to consult the Coroner's Office, causing delays.
The next of kin should receive a phone call from the Patient Affairs team within the next working day, between 9 am and 4 pm. They will provide guidance and answer any questions regarding the administration of the deceased's death. It is important to note that the next of kin may not always be a blood relative or have legal authority to make decisions, but they can provide guidance on the deceased's wishes.
It is important to note that the process of finalising the death certificate may vary slightly depending on the hospital and local regulations. The next of kin should stay in close communication with the Patient Affairs team to ensure they are taking the necessary steps and making informed decisions.
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If the patient is in a coma
If a patient is in a coma, they are in a state of unconsciousness and cannot be woken. They will be unresponsive to their environment and unable to communicate. In the short term, a person in a coma will be cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU). Their treatment will include supporting their bodily functions, such as breathing. In some cases, a coma may be induced to preserve higher brain functions following brain trauma or to alleviate pain.
Hospitals will try to locate the next of kin or medical power of attorney (POA) to make important decisions on behalf of the patient. In the absence of a legal spokesperson, doctors are obligated to take all measures necessary to prolong life. This may include placing the patient on a ventilator or providing nutrition through a tracheostomy.
The next of kin may be consulted on the patient's treatment plan and end-of-life decisions, especially if the patient does not have a health care directive in place. A health care directive outlines the patient's wishes regarding medical treatment, life-sustaining interventions, pain management, and end-of-life care. Without this document, the hospital may make medical decisions that the family disagrees with.
If the patient passes away, the hospital's Bereavement Services will contact the next of kin to provide support and guide them through the necessary steps, such as registering the death and choosing an undertaker. The next of kin can also take the patient's belongings home or arrange to pick them up at a later time.
It is important to note that the experience of being in a coma varies from person to person. Some people gradually regain consciousness and make a full recovery, while others progress into a vegetative state or experience disabilities caused by brain damage. Families are encouraged to keep a diary during this time to record events and information about the patient's care.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals will contact your next of kin if you are in a state where you are unable to make decisions for yourself, for example, if you are unconscious or in a coma.
Hospitals will attempt to contact your next of kin in the event of your death. The Patient Affairs team will correspond with the person recorded in the hospital records as the next of kin concerning the administration of your death.
Your next of kin is generally your closest living relative unless you appoint someone else. For those under 18, a parent or guardian is typically listed as the next of kin. However, it is important to note that for anyone over the age of 18, there is no requirement for this to be a blood relative or guardian.
Yes, in a medical setting, most hospitals allow flexibility in nominating your next of kin. You can choose a close family member, another relative, or a friend.
