What to do when someone dies in hospital in Somerset
When someone dies in hospital, the process is a little different
If your loved one has passed away in hospital, you will usually be guided through the immediate steps by hospital staff.
Even so, it can still feel unclear what happens next, especially when you return home and things go quiet.
This guide explains what to expect if the death has occurred in a hospital in Somerset.
1. The hospital will confirm the death
A doctor at the hospital will formally confirm the death.
In most cases, you will be told what happens next before you leave, but it is very normal for details not to fully register at the time.
2. When someone dies in a hospital, the family are usually given a bereavement leaflet from that hospital. If you have not been given one, do not worry. Give us a call and we will point you in the right direction.
Inside the leaflet, there are lots of useful telephone numbers, including the number for the Bereavement Office.
The family will be asked to call the Bereavement Office during office hours, following the death.
The staff at the Bereavement Office are lovely and they will guide you through all of the medical process – including the role of the Medical Examiner.
The hospital will electronically send all of the relevant medical certificates to the local Registrar office and will inform you to contact the registrar at your convenience to register the death.
It is usual to register the death within 5 working days however, there may be circumstances where this is not possible and this is completely acceptable so please do not worry.
3. You can take your time choosing a funeral director
Unlike a death at home, there is usually no immediate urgency to make arrangements.
Your loved one will remain in the hospital mortuary until you decide which funeral director you would like to appoint.
4. When you are ready, you can contact a funeral director
This is often the point where families feel unsure.
You can choose a local, independent funeral director who will:
- Bring your loved one into their care from the hospital
- Liaise with hospital staff on your behalf
- Guide you through the next steps
We can help when you feel ready
At Wallace Stuart, we support families across Bridgwater and the wider Somerset area.
When you contact us, we will:
- Speak with the hospital for you
- Arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care
- Explain everything clearly, step by step
📞 Call us: Tel: 01278 664400
There is no obligation, and no expectation to make decisions straight away.
5. Registering the death
Once the medical certificate has been issued, you will need to register the death.
In Somerset, this is done through the local register office, and you will usually be guided on how to arrange this.
We can also help you understand what is needed when the time comes.
6. What happens after that
After your loved one has been brought into care, you can begin to think about the next steps.
This might include:
- Planning a funeral or service
- Considering burial or cremation
- Exploring options such as direct cremation
There is no need to rush these decisions.
A gentle reassurance
Many people worry about getting something wrong at this stage.
You won’t.
If you are unsure about anything, or simply want someone to talk it through with, we are here to help.
Local support when it matters
We are an independent funeral director serving Bridgwater and Somerset.
When you call, you will speak to someone who understands the local process and can guide you without pressure.
Common questions at this time
What is the first thing I should do when someone dies?
If the death was expected, contact a GP or NHS 111. If it was unexpected, call 999. Once the death has been confirmed, you can take some time before contacting a funeral director.
Do I need to call a funeral director straight away?
No. There is usually no immediate urgency. Many families choose to spend some time with their loved one before making arrangements.
What happens when I call a funeral director?
They will listen to your situation, explain what happens next, and arrange to bring your loved one into their care when you feel ready. There is no pressure to make decisions on the first call.
How quickly can a funeral director attend?
This depends on the situation, but a local funeral director can usually attend the same day or within a few hours if needed.
What happens if the death occurred in hospital?
The hospital will confirm the death and arrange the medical certificate. Your loved one will remain in their care until you choose a funeral director.
When do I need to register the death?
The death is usually registered after the medical certificate has been issued. You will be guided on how to do this by the hospital or funeral director.
Can I call just to ask questions?
Yes. You do not need to be ready to make arrangements. You can call simply to talk things through and understand what happens next.