When a death occurs at home

When a death occurs suddenly at home it is advisable to call the ambulance service to attend. However, if the death has been expected you should call the family doctor to attend to verify the death and confirm that they will write a Medical Death Certificate. If the family doctor is not able to attend then arrange for a locum (a locum service number will usually be available on a Medical Clinic’s after hour phone service). Once the doctor has attended you should then contact Bethel Funerals which will then arrange to transfer the deceased to our funeral home.

When a death occurs in a hospital or nursing home

When a death occurs in a hospital or nursing home the facility concerned will make the necessary arrangements for a doctor to attend. If you have provided the contact details of Bethel Funerals, the facility will contact us to arrange for transfer of the deceased to our funeral home. If the family details are not known to us Bethel Funerals will obtain the next of kin details from the facility and be in contact with them shortly thereafter.

When the Coroner is involved

Where a death has occurred suddenly as a result of an accident, homicide, suicide or other unusual circumstances or if the doctor is unsure as to the cause of death, the case will be referred to the State Coroner. Bethel Funerals will liaise with the Coroner to arrange for the transfer of the deceased to our funeral home upon completion of the Coronial investigation.

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