Losing someone close to you is one of the most difficult experiences you may face. When a loved one passes away in hospital - whether at Great Western Hospital (GWH) in Swindon or another medical facility - there are several practical steps to follow before funeral planning can begin.
During this early stage, hospital staff, bereavement officers, and local funeral directors work together to support you. Knowing what to expect can help make the days ahead feel far less overwhelming.
At Hillier Funeral Service, our family is here to guide you with patience, clarity, and compassion. Whether you need immediate advice or simply someone to talk through your options with, we are here for you 24/7.
Looking for general guidance? If you need advice on the initial steps for other scenarios, please visit our main What to Do When Someone Dies hub.
When someone dies in hospital, the medical team caring for them will verify the death and complete initial paperwork.
If you are the next of kin or nominated contact, the hospital team will contact you directly to inform you and explain what happens next.
Many hospitals, (including GWH), have a dedicated Bereavement Services department. The bereavement team will handle the practical paperwork, arrange the return of personal belongings, and let you know when the medical certificate will be ready.
During this time, you do not need to make every major decision immediately. Take a breath, surround yourself with supportive family or friends, and take things one step at a time.
Receiving the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Before a death can be registered, a doctor involved in your loved one's care must issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
The hospital bereavement office will arrange for the doctor to complete this document.
In many cases, the hospital will send the MCCD directly to the local registrar electronically. They will advise you on when it is ready so that you can book a registration appointment.
Occasionally, there may be a short delay if the attending doctor needs to consult with colleagues or check details before finalizing the certificate.
Sometimes, a doctor cannot issue the medical certificate right away, and the death in hospital must be referred to the local coroner. This is standard procedure if:
The cause of death is unknown, sudden, or unexpected.
The death occurred during or shortly after surgery or a medical procedure.
The patient was not seen by a doctor within a specific timeframe prior to passing
Please do not worry if a referral to the coroner happens. It does not imply that anything went wrong. The coroner's role is simply to establish the official facts. While coroner involvement can extend the timeline slightly, our experienced funeral directors will liaise with the coroner's office on your behalf and keep you updated at every stage.
Collecting Personal Belongings From Hospital
After someone dies in hospital, the hospital ward staff or bereavement office will carefully collect and store your loved one’s personal items, such as clothing, jewellery, glasses, or documents.
The bereavement team will explain when and where you can collect these belongings.
Collecting these items can be an emotional experience, so we recommend taking a family member or friend along for support.
Many families find comfort in spending time saying goodbye shortly after a death. You can do this at the hospital, or once your loved on is in our care at the funeral home
Hospital wards and chapels of rest often allow family visits before transfer, subject to the hospital’s specific visiting policies.
Once your loved one is transferred to Hillier Funeral Service, you can visit them in the calm, private Chapel of Rest at any of our four local funeral homes, in Old Town Swindon, Rodbourne Cheney, Highworth, or Royal Wootton Bassett
Choosing a Funeral Director
When you feel ready, choosing a local funeral director is a vital next step. The right funeral director will guide you clearly through the practical arrangements and offer steady, compassionate support during a very difficult time.
Once you make contact, your chosen funeral director will arrange for your loved one to be brought gently into their care from Great Western Hospital or another medical facility. They will ensure they are treated with total dignity, kindness, and respect at every stage.
As an independent, family-run business serving Swindon, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett for four generations, Hillier Funeral Service is here to support you. We take the time to listen and understand your wishes, helping you create a funeral service that feels personal, meaningful, and fitting for your loved one. From your very first phone call through to the day of the service and beyond, our family is here to care for yours.
You can contact Hillier Funeral Service as soon as you feel ready - there is no need to wait until the death is fully registered.
When you call us, we will:
- Contact the hospital mortuary or bereavement team directly to coordinate the necessary paperwork and release forms.
- Arrange the gentle, respectful transfer of your loved one into our dedicated care.
- Look after them safely in our local facilities until you are ready to begin making funeral plans.
Please call our caring team on 01793 522797 at any time of the day or night
Registering a Death After Someone Dies in Hospital
A death in England must legally be registered within 5 days (unless referred to the coroner.)
Once the hospital has issued the medical certificate, you will need to make an appointment with the local Register Office (for deaths at Great Western Hospital, this will usually be the Swindon Register Office).
Need help with registration details? For a complete checklist of documents to bring and questions the registrar will ask, read our detailed guide on Registering a Death.
When the time feels right, one of the team at Hillier Funeral Service family will sit down with you to plan a farewell that reflects the unique life, personality, and wishes of your loved one.
We offer a complete range of traditional and modern options to suit every family and budget
Funeral arrangements may include:
- Choosing between burial and cremation, or an unattended direct cremation
- Selecting a location for the service
- Choosing music, readings and personal tributes
- Arranging flowers or charitable donations
- Preparing funeral stationery
- Including special memories and personal touches
There is no single way to arrange a funeral. The most important thing is creating a meaningful farewell that reflects the life of the person who has died.
If your loved one recorded their preferences using a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan or personal wishes document, we will make sure every single detail is honoured
Practical & Legal Matters (Probate Support)
After a loss, managing practical tasks alongside grief can feel daunting. Beyond registering the death and planning the funeral, you may need to inform financial institutions or administer an estate.
To make this process as stress-free as possible, we partner with Laurelo, independent probate and legal specialists who offer clear, compassionate guidance on estate administration. You can learn more about how they can assist your family on our Probate & Legal Support page
Coping With Grief After a Death in Hospital
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to feel after losing someone. Some people experience overwhelming sadness straight away, while others feel quiet, numb, or confused.
It is important to give yourself time and gentle space to process your loss. Sharing your feelings with family, friends, or someone you trust can be a comforting part of the healing process.
At Hillier Funeral Service, our care for your family does not end on the day of the funeral. We are proud to offer our own professional in-house Bereavement Care Service, which is available completely free of charge to all the families we support. Whether you need a warm, listening ear, access to local support groups in Swindon, Highworth, or Royal Wootton Bassett, or one-to-one counseling, our team is here for you whenever you feel ready to reach out.
Who informs the family when someone dies in hospital?
The hospital ward or medical team caring for the patient will notify the designated next of kin or emergency contact immediately.
How long does it take to receive the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?
If there are no complications, the hospital doctor usually completes the certificate within 1 to 3 days. If the case needs to be reviewed by the coroner, it may take a little longer
Can I choose my own funeral director?
Yes, absolutely. You have complete freedom to choose whichever funeral director you feel most comfortable with, regardless of any general lists provided by hospitals. We will handle all liaison with the hospital on your behalf.
Do I need to arrange the funeral immediately?
No. While initial steps like verifying the death and obtaining the medical certificate must happen promptly, you have time to make funeral decisions. We encourage families to move at a pace that feels steady and manageable
We Are Here for You Every Step of the Way After a Death in Hospital
A death in hospital can be an emotional and confusing time. You do not have to carry this alone. For four generations, the Hillier family has been trusted by local families across Swindon, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett.
Our support does not end when the funeral service finishes. We are proud to provide free, in-house Bereavement Care, including local support groups and confidential one-to-one counseling, to help you navigate grief in the weeks and months ahead.
If you need advice, have questions, or require urgent assistance, please call us anytime, day or night, on 01793 522797. Our family is here to help yours
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options further please give us a call on 01793 522797 or get in touch.