When Death Occurs
Death at a Hospital
If someone has died at a hospital, please know that you do not need to figure everything out on your own. The hospital will guide some of the immediate steps, and Haskett Funeral Homes can help with everything that follows.
What to do first
Please contact us directly. Even if hospital staff have said they will notify the funeral home, it is always best for the family to call Haskett Funeral Homes as well.
Families are sometimes told that the hospital will reach out to the funeral home, but that communication does not always happen. We regularly encounter situations where families believe we have already been called, only to learn that we have not yet received any information.
One phone call to us ensures we are aware of the death and allows us to begin coordinating with the hospital when the time is right.
There is no obligation to have decisions made before calling. You do not need to know about service details, cremation or burial, newspaper notices, clergy, cemetery arrangements, paperwork, clothing, photos, or anything else before reaching out.
What happens next
The hospital will complete its process
Hospitals usually have internal steps that must be completed before your loved one can be released into our care. These steps often take longer than families expect.
We will coordinate with hospital staff
Once we are aware of the death, we can work with the hospital to understand their process, timing, and any specific requirements for release.
We will bring your loved one into our care
When the hospital has completed its process and release is available, our team will attend the hospital and bring your loved one into our care with dignity and respect.
We will talk about arrangements when you are ready
Some families want to begin making arrangements right away, while others need some time first. There is no pressure to have everything figured out immediately.
How hospital transfers usually work
When a death occurs at a hospital, families are often able to spend some time with their loved one before returning home. In many cases, the actual transfer into our care does not happen immediately.
Hospital processes are typically more involved than those at a private residence or care home. Depending on the hospital, the release may happen several hours later, overnight, the following day, or occasionally longer.
The most important step is making sure we know. If we have not been contacted directly, we may have no way of knowing that your family is waiting for us.
Some smaller hospitals may allow transfers after hours, while larger hospitals often have more structured release procedures and limited overnight access. Our team works with hospitals regularly and understands the different processes involved at each location.
Once the hospital has completed its process and authorization has been provided, we will attend the hospital and bring your loved one into our care.
Helpful notes
It is very common for families to leave the hospital before the transfer into our care takes place. You do not need to remain at the hospital until we arrive unless you wish to do so and the hospital is able to accommodate that.
If personal belongings are still with your loved one, hospital staff will usually help guide how those items are returned to the family. If there is something specific you are concerned about, please let us know and we can help ask the right questions.
If there are pre-arrangements already in place, there is no rush to review everything immediately. We may not have every detail available during the first phone call, but there will be plenty of time to go through those arrangements together.
There is no perfect way to navigate these first few hours. We will help you take things one step at a time.
Common questions
Will the hospital call the funeral home?
Sometimes families are told that the hospital will contact the funeral home, but that message does not always reach us. It is always best for the family to call Haskett Funeral Homes directly so we can begin coordinating properly.
How long does it take for a hospital transfer?
Hospital transfers often take longer than transfers from a home or care facility. Depending on the hospital and their internal process, release may happen several hours later, the next day, or sometimes longer. We will keep you informed as clearly as we can.
Do we need to stay at the hospital?
No. In most cases, families do not need to remain at the hospital until our team arrives. Many families spend time with their loved one and then return home while the hospital completes its process.
Can we start arrangements before the hospital release happens?
Yes. We can begin talking with you about next steps before your loved one is physically in our care. Some families prefer to start right away, while others would rather wait. Either approach is completely acceptable.
What if the death happens overnight?
You can still call us at any time. Depending on the hospital, our team may not be able to attend immediately overnight, but we can still begin guiding you and preparing for the transfer once the hospital release process is complete.
What if we are unsure which hospital department to contact?
Please call us. Our team works with hospitals regularly and can help guide you through the right next step based on where your loved one has died.
What happens after my loved one is brought into your care?
Typically, we will either arrange a meeting with your family for the following day or contact you afterward to discuss next steps by telephone. There is no pressure to make immediate decisions.
Related information
You can return to our main When Death Occurs page or contact us directly at any time.
You are not alone in this
When someone dies at a hospital, it can feel like there are several people and processes involved. Please call us directly. We will help coordinate with the hospital and guide your family through the next steps.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).