Ninety per cent of people in NSW die in a hospital, nursing home or other institution. These institutions are experienced in dealing with death and will usually be able to guide the family of the dead person through the first stages of the funeral process. Usually, this will involve contacting a funeral director who can conduct all aspects of the funeral. Alternatively, the family can choose to arrange a do-it-yourself funeral.
When a person dies in hospital, there will always be an attending doctor who will be able to prepare the death certificate (and cremation certificate if required). There are certain circumstances, such as a death within 24 hours of an anaesthetic, when the body will need to be referred to the Coroner.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2008
