By eziFunerals | Australia’s #1 Funeral Planning Authority (Partnered with FuneralSmart)

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💔 When the Unthinkable Happens

Even when death is expected, the moment it happens in hospital can leave you unsure what to do next.

Who do you call? How soon? What happens to your loved one’s body?

It’s a time filled with emotion, confusion, and pressure to “get things moving.”

This guide explains what really happens after a hospital death in Australia — and how you can plan the next steps calmly, with confidence.

“Most families are surprised by how many options they actually have,” says Peter Erceg, Founder of eziFunerals.

“The hospital sets certain procedures, but you decide what happens next — not them.”

🏥 Step 1: Hospital Procedures After Death

When a person passes away in hospital:

  1. A doctor or nurse will confirm the death and record the exact time.
  2. The next of kin or legal representative is notified.
  3. The hospital arranges for the body to be moved to the hospital mortuary or a secure holding area.

If the death was expected, a doctor will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).

If it was sudden or unexpected, the death may be referred to the Coroner, and the hospital will explain what happens next.

(External authority: Department of Health – After Someone Dies)

📋 Step 2: Contacting a Funeral Director

Once the medical certificate has been completed, the hospital will ask if you have chosen a funeral director.

You don’t need to rush this decision. You can take time to compare options and prices online.

Using eziFunerals, you can:

  • Compare independent funeral directors near you
  • Request itemised quotes
  • See reviews and service types
  • Plan a funeral before authorising any transfer

👉 Compare Funeral Directors in Your Area

If you haven’t appointed a funeral home yet, the hospital may temporarily hold your loved one until arrangements are made.

⚖️ Step 3: Coroner’s Referral (If Required)

If the death is sudden, unexplained, or the result of an accident or surgery, it will likely be referred to the State Coroner’s Office.

This doesn’t mean anything suspicious — it’s simply a legal requirement.

The Coroner may:

  • Order a post-mortem examination (autopsy).
  • Hold the body until the cause of death is confirmed.
  • Release it to your chosen funeral director once complete.

(External authority: NSW Coroner’s Court Information for Families)

🕊 Step 4: Transferring Your Loved One

Once clearance is granted, your chosen funeral director will:

  • Collect the deceased from the hospital or Coroner’s facility.
  • Move them to their mortuary or care centre.
  • Begin preparation for the funeral, cremation, or burial.

Families should ask:

  • Are transfers done by the funeral home’s own staff?
  • Are there after-hours or weekend fees?
  • Where will my loved one be taken?

(Internal link → What to Ask for a Funeral Home Quote)

🌿 Step 5: Planning the Funeral

You now have time to decide on:

  • Cremation or burial (your funeral director can advise).
  • Service location — chapel, home, park, or community venue.
  • Celebrant, clergy, or family-led farewell.
  • Music, flowers, and memorial preferences.

If you’re feeling unsure where to begin, use Ellie — Australia’s first AI Funeral Planner, now available on eziFunerals.com.au.

Ellie can guide you step-by-step: from confirming forms to finding a director who matches your needs, budget, and location.

🎥 Meet Ellie in Action

💬 Step 6: Registering the Death

In most states, the funeral director helps lodge the death registration with the relevant Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The Death Certificate is then mailed to the next of kin within a few weeks.

(Learn more)

(Learn more → What Is a Death Certificate and Why You Need One)

🪶 Step 7: Choosing a Farewell That Feels Right

You don’t have to follow any fixed formula.

Many families now hold memorials weeks later, or opt for eco-friendly or private cremations with a separate celebration of life.

(Learn more → Types of Funerals in Australia)

(Learn more → Griefline Support Services)

Remember: there’s no “right” way to say goodbye — only what feels right for your family.

⚙️ Step 8: Costs and Funeral Assistance

Funeral costs vary depending on location, service type, and cremation or burial choices.

Families can use the eziFunerals Funeral Cost Calculator for an estimate, or explore:

(Learn more → Services Australia Bereavement Payments)

💡 Key Takeaways

✅ You have the right to choose your own funeral director — not the hospital’s suggestion.

✅ Hospitals handle immediate care, but you control what happens next.

✅ Always request itemised quotes and written authorisations.

✅ Take your time — grief deserves space, not pressure.

✅ eziFunerals helps you plan every step, free and independently.

🕊️ Need Guidance Now?

You can start a plan instantly with Ellie, your AI Funeral Planner, at eziFunerals.com.au.

Or speak directly with a verified independent funeral director in your area today.

👉 Start Planning a Funeral After a Hospital Death

📋 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who handles the body when someone dies in hospital?

Hospital staff and mortuary teams care for the body until your chosen funeral director takes over.

Q2: Can I choose my own funeral home after a hospital death?

Yes. You’re not required to use the hospital’s or doctor’s suggestion. eziFunerals helps you compare options easily.

Q3: What paperwork do I need after a hospital death?

A doctor issues a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death; your funeral director registers the death with the state Registry.

Q4: How soon do I need to contact a funeral home?

You can take your time. Hospitals can hold the deceased temporarily until arrangements are made.

Q5: What help is available with funeral costs?

You may be eligible for financial support through Services Australia or community assistance programs.

Explore More Funeral Planning Guides

Peter

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.