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Death in hospital, hospice, or rest home

The staff will guide you through the immediate steps. You don't need to know what to do — they do this regularly and will help.

What the staff will do

A doctor will certify the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Staff will prepare the body and give you time to be with your person
They may ask about organ donation wishes (if applicable)
They will ask if you have a funeral director in mind

What you need to do

Take your time. You can stay with your person. Ask the staff for as long as you need.
Call close family and whānau.
Collect personal belongings — ask the staff about the process.
You will be asked to choose a funeral director. You do not have to decide immediately. See funeral costs before you commit.
Ask for the medical certificate — you may need this for the funeral director and death registration.

If the death was unexpected or during a medical procedure, the hospital must report it to the coroner. This is standard procedure. The coroner decides whether to investigate further. See what happens with a coroner.

If your person was under hospice care, the hospice bereavement team will follow up with you. Hospice NZ offers free bereavement support for up to 14 months.