First and Foremost…

Please accept our condolences for your loss and we appreciate that this can be a very difficult and distressing time.

Click here to view our Bereavement care services advice booklet

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued by a hospital doctor. It will be necessary for you to return to the hospital to collect the medical certificate of cause of death, together with any property or valuables. The staff at the Bereavement Office, in partnership with the doctors, will complete this as soon as possible. This will usually be the next working day, unless the death occurred overnight, over a weekend or bank holiday when it will be issued during the following two working days.

To avoid you having to wait unnecessarily, please telephone the Bereavement Office before coming to the hospital and a time will be arranged for you to collect the Certificate. If you would like to see a Chaplain when you come to collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, please notify the Bereavement Officer when you telephone to make your appointment. Please telephone between 10am and 4pm (weekdays) on 01268 394850.

It is important for you to understand that the above does not apply if the Coroner is involved. Should it be necessary for the doctor to refer the case to the Coroner, the Bereavement Officer will contact you and advise you of the next steps. A referral to the Coroner does not automatically mean a post-mortem will be performed and many cases are issued with minimal delay.

Useful contact numbers

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
01268 394440
pals@btuh.nhs.uk

Department of Spiritual & Pastoral Care
01268 524900 ext 3503