Procedure After Death In Hospital
By Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. When someone passes away in a hospital, there are certain procedures that need to be followed. These procedures are in place to ensure that the patient’s remains are treated with respect and dignity and that the family is informed of what needs to be done next.
In this blog post, we will explore the procedure after death in a hospital in detail. We will cover what happens immediately after death, how the body is handled, and what steps need to be taken by the family.
Immediate Actions
When a patient passes away in a hospital, the medical team will take immediate action. This includes:
Pronouncing the Patient Dead:
The first step is to confirm that the patient has passed away. This is done by checking for vital signs such as a heartbeat or breathing. Once it is confirmed that the patient has passed away, the medical team will document the time of death.
Contacting the Family:
The next step is to contact the patient’s family. This is usually done by a hospital staff member who will inform the family of the patient’s passing. The staff member will offer condolences and answer any questions the family may have.
Preparing the Body:
Once the patient has been pronounced dead, the medical team will prepare the body. This includes removing any medical equipment, cleaning the body, and placing it in a dignified position. The body will also be covered with a sheet to maintain privacy.
Handling of the Body
After the body has been prepared, it will be handled with care and respect. The following steps are taken to ensure the body is treated properly:
Identification:
The hospital staff will verify the patient’s identity by checking their medical records and identification bracelets.
Tagging the Body:
A tag will be attached to the patient’s toe that includes their name, date of birth, and time of death.
Transporting the Body:
The body will be transported to the hospital’s morgue or mortuary. This is typically done by a hospital staff member or a funeral home employee.
Care of the Body:
The body will be stored in a refrigerated unit to slow down the decomposition process. The body will be kept in this unit until it is released to the family or picked up by a funeral home.
What the Family Needs to Do^?
After the hospital has taken care of the body, there are several things the family needs to do. These include:
Making Funeral Arrangements:
The family needs to make funeral arrangements. This includes deciding on the type of service, choosing a funeral home, and selecting a casket or urn.
Notifying Family and Friends:
The family should notify family and friends of the patient’s passing. This can be done through phone calls, emails, or social media.
Preparing an Obituary:
The family may choose to prepare an obituary to announce the patient’s passing. This can be done through a local newspaper or online.
Contacting Insurance Companies:
If the patient had life insurance, the family will need to contact the insurance company to start the claims process.
Settling Accounts: The family may need to settle any outstanding accounts or bills on behalf of the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spend time with my loved one after they pass away in a hospital?
It depends on the hospital’s policies. Some hospitals may allow family members to spend time with their loved ones after they pass away, while others may not.
Can I request an autopsy?
Yes, you can request an autopsy. However, you may need to pay for it yourself, and it may delay the release of the body to the funeral home.
How long can a body stay in the hospital morgue?
The length of time a body can stay in the hospital morgue varies depending on the hospital’s policies. Some hospitals may only keep the body for a few days, while others may keep it for several weeks.
Who is responsible for paying for the funeral?
The family is typically responsible for paying for the funeral. However, if the patient had life insurance or pre-arranged funeral plans, these may cover some or all of the costs.
How long does it take to plan a funeral?
The length of time it takes to plan a funeral can vary depending on the family’s preferences and the funeral home’s availability. Typically, it takes a few days to a week to plan a funeral.
Can I donate my loved one’s organs after they pass away in a hospital?
Yes, you can donate your loved one’s organs after they pass away in a hospital. However, it is important to let the hospital staff know of your intentions as soon as possible.
Can I choose to have my loved one cremated instead of buried?
Yes, you can choose to have your loved one cremated instead of buried. This decision should be made by the family and communicated to the funeral home.
What happens if the family cannot afford the funeral?
If the family cannot afford the funeral, they may be eligible for financial assistance from the government or other organizations. The funeral home may also offer payment plans or reduced costs for families in need.
Can I have a funeral service at the hospital?
It depends on the hospital’s policies. Some hospitals may have chapels or other facilities where funeral services can be held, while others may not.
Can I bring personal items to the hospital for my loved one?
Yes, you can bring personal items to the hospital for your loved one. However, it is important to check with the hospital staff to see what items are allowed and what items are not allowed.
