Hailey Tran
Hospitals are where a large number of people pass away, and as such, they are equipped with morgues or mortuaries to store the bodies of the deceased. A morgue is a room or area in a hospital where bodies are kept temporarily, especially if an autopsy needs to be done or if the body is unclaimed. The primary purpose of a morgue is to prevent decomposition, which happens quickly after death, by storing bodies in refrigerated drawers. In some cases, bodies are kept in hospitals for extended periods until the family can arrange and afford funeral services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Temporary storage for bodies of the recently deceased |
| Location | Usually in a hospital or medical centre |
| Timing | Bodies are kept for up to several weeks |
| Temperature | Between 2 °C (36 °F) and 4 °C (39 °F) |
| Autopsy | Bodies are kept in a morgue if an autopsy needs to be done |
| Body Identification | Important for security and to inform next of kin |
| Body Transport | Arranged by the hospital or the family |
| Burial Customs | Vary depending on country and religion |
| Alternative Options | Home funerals, where the body is kept at the deceased's home |
| Staff Support | Nurse, social worker, and chaplain |
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What You'll Learn
Bodies are kept in morgues/mortuaries for autopsy or if unclaimed
Bodies are typically kept in morgues or mortuaries, which are usually located in hospitals or medical centres. These facilities serve as temporary storage spaces for the deceased, primarily for two reasons: to perform autopsies or to hold unclaimed bodies.
Autopsies
Autopsies, also known as post-mortem examinations, are often necessary to determine the cause of death, especially in cases of unexpected or unnatural deaths. Hospital staff will usually recommend further analysis by a medical examiner shortly after death, which can cause delays in the funeral arrangements. The body is stored in a refrigerated environment to slow down decomposition until the autopsy can be performed. Autopsies typically involve incisions on the chest and head, which can make embalming more challenging, but it is still possible.
In some cases, bodies may be transported to another facility for autopsy, especially if the hospital does not have the necessary resources or capacity. Local funeral homes or specialised body removal companies can assist with transportation to the appropriate facility.
Unclaimed Bodies
If a deceased person's next of kin or family is unknown or unable to be reached, the body may remain in the morgue or mortuary until arrangements can be made. This can occur when a person passes away without any known relatives or if their family is unable to be located. In such cases, the hospital may work with local authorities or social services to determine the best course of action, which may include a public burial or cremation after a certain period.
Other Reasons
In certain situations, bodies may be kept in morgues or mortuaries for reasons other than autopsies or unclaimed status. For example, in the case of organ donation, the body may be held until the necessary procedures can be completed. Additionally, in mass casualty incidents or during pandemics such as COVID-19, temporary morgues may be set up to accommodate a large number of deceased individuals.
Furthermore, cultural and religious beliefs can influence the length of time a body is kept in a morgue or mortuary. In some countries, burial or cremation may occur within 72 hours of death, while in others, it is customary to wait several weeks or even months. Religious rites, such as witnessing the cremation, may also play a role in the timing of funeral arrangements.
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Hospitals are sensitive to the emotions of the deceased's loved ones
The next of kin must give formal consent for the body to be moved to the morgue or mortuary, which is a room or area in a hospital where dead bodies are kept. The hospital will recommend that the medical examiner's office perform further analysis soon after death so that the family is prepared for any potential delays. The family will need to make arrangements for transporting the body, and the funeral director can work with hospital staff to arrange this, including the proper paperwork for releasing the body.
In some cases, the family will need to wait for the results of an autopsy before proceeding with funeral arrangements. Hospitals usually have a process in place for viewing the body of a deceased loved one, which is typically restricted to direct family members. This viewing will probably only be allowed shortly after the death before the body is moved to the morgue or mortuary.
In some countries, the body of the deceased is embalmed before disposal, which makes refrigeration unnecessary. However, in most cases, bodies are refrigerated to slow down decomposition before burial or cremation. In some funeral homes, the morgue is in the same room or directly adjacent to the ovens used for cremation.
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Bodies are refrigerated to slow decomposition
A morgue, predominantly used in North American English, or a mortuary, used in the UK, is a room or area in a hospital where dead bodies are kept. They are usually kept in a morgue if an autopsy needs to be done or if the body is unclaimed. The primary purpose of a morgue is to serve as a temporary storage space for the bodies of the recently deceased.
In some cases, bodies are transported to another facility for autopsy, usually a local funeral home or a special body removal company. However, some hospitals have their own morgues or mortuaries, which are temperature-controlled containers where bodies can be stored. These are essentially refrigerated drawers large enough to hold an adult.
In certain jurisdictions, especially poorer ones, bodies are disposed of as quickly as possible, regardless of local customs, using whatever methods are most convenient given the available supplies and equipment. In contrast, modern affluent jurisdictions will usually requisition equipment and/or facilities to store corpses as temporary morgues when necessary. Any refrigerated space large enough to fit a person can act as a temporary morgue.
In the UK, oversized mortuary fridge spaces have been installed in hospitals to cope with the increase in obesity.
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Families arrange funeral services and transport
When a person dies in a hospital, their body is usually moved to a mortuary or morgue before an autopsy takes place. A mortuary is a room or area, often in a hospital, where dead bodies are kept. The terms mortuary and morgue are used interchangeably, with the latter being more common in North American English. A morgue is usually located in a hospital or medical centre, serving as a temporary storage space for the bodies of the recently deceased.
In some cases, families may opt for a home funeral, where the body is kept at the deceased's home or the home of a family member. In such cases, the family is responsible for preserving the body, preparing it for funeral services, and transporting the body to the burial site or crematorium. They will need a physician, coroner, or medical examiner to sign a death certificate, typically done through a home visit to verify and document the death.
The time between death and burial can vary depending on cultural and religious practices, as well as the financial situation of the family. In some countries, burial must take place within 72 hours of death, while in others, it may occur several weeks or months later. This is why some corpses are kept for extended periods at a hospital or funeral home until the family is ready for the ceremony.
During the grieving process, hospital staff, including nurses, social workers, and chaplains, are available to support the family and answer any questions they may have.
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Burial/cremation can take place weeks/months after death
In some countries, burial or cremation usually takes place within 72 hours (three days) of death. However, in other countries, it is customary for burial or cremation to occur several weeks or months after death. This is why some bodies are kept at a hospital or funeral home for up to one or two years.
There are several reasons why a body may be kept at a hospital for a period of time before burial or cremation:
- Autopsy or physical examination: If an autopsy or further analysis is required, the body will be kept at the hospital or moved to a morgue until the procedure is performed. A morgue, also known as a mortuary, is a temporary storage space for the recently deceased, usually located within a hospital or medical centre.
- Organ donation: If the deceased person is a potential organ donor, their body will be held in the hospital until the organs can be retrieved.
- Financial constraints: In some cultures and religions, it is important for the family to witness the cremation of their loved one. If a family is unable to afford the burial or cremation ceremony, they may keep the body at the hospital or funeral home until they have saved enough money.
- Embalming: In some countries, embalming is practised before disposal, which eliminates the need for refrigeration.
- Waiting mortuaries: In the past, particularly in 19th-century Germany, waiting mortuaries were used to house the recently deceased temporarily to alleviate fears of being buried alive.
In the case of a death at a hospital, the family will need to arrange for the transportation of the body to a funeral home or crematorium. Hospital staff are trained to be sensitive to the emotions and needs of the deceased's loved ones and can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.
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Frequently asked questions
Bodies are kept at hospitals for autopsies, or if the body is unclaimed. They are kept in a morgue or mortuary, which is a room or area in a hospital where bodies are stored in refrigerated drawers to slow down decomposition.
A morgue is a place for the temporary storage of bodies. It is usually located in a hospital or medical centre.
A morgue and mortuary are often used interchangeably, but they are different in their core function. A mortuary is more similar to a crematorium, and is a simpler option for families who want a funeral or specialised cremation.
If no autopsy is needed, the family will need to arrange transportation of the body to a funeral home. If an autopsy is needed, the family will need to arrange transportation from the medical examiner's facility.
Yes, in many cases, it is possible to view the body at the hospital, although this is usually restricted to direct family members. Viewing the body will likely only be allowed shortly after death, before the body is moved.
