What are the first steps after someone dies?

There are many circumstances in which someone may pass away.  We outline here some of the first steps to consider depending on where someone has died.  You should not feel rushed at any stage, however please be assured that help is available as and when you need it 24 hours a day from Mark Shaw Funeral Services by calling 01224 876000 or 01224 640008 . 

Deaths in hospital 

Where someone dies in a local hospital (Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Woodend Hospital, Roxburghe House, Royal Cornhill Hospital), they will generally be cared for in the first instance at the mortuary in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary until such time as the Death Certificate (MCCD) has been issued by the hospital Doctor.  Once this is issued, we can then transfer your loved one to our own funeral home mortuary facilities to be cared for as per your wishes.  You can call us at any stage to notify us of the death and to begin discussing funeral choices. 

Deaths in private homes or care establishments

Where someone dies in a private home, nursing or care home, or sheltered complex, the first requirement is to have the death verified by a Doctor or Nursing team.  If not already aware, they should be contacted and they will attend. 

It is then usual for us to be asked to remove the deceased relatively promptly to our funeral home mortuary facility after the medics have finished their duties.  We can generally attend in Aberdeen City within  approximately 1 hour, or as otherwise agreed with you.  We will attend with a smart private ambulance or removal estate car and our two professional, uniformed response staff will discuss any immediate matters with you, then when you are ready, transfer your loved one discretely and with dignity using our specialist stretchers.  We will take careful instructions regarding any personal items, i.e. jewellery.  At any stage during this process, please let us know if you have any questions.  Most people will wish to be in a different room while we carry out our duties, but if you wish to remain present, this is perfectly acceptable. 

There is no requirement to have someone removed with any urgency.  Should you have family wanting to be present prior to the transfer, this is ok.  We recommend opening a window if possible for cool air, switching off heating and pulling back any heavy bed clothes while retaining dignity.  (This prevents the deceased remaining unnecessarily warm) 

Should the person have fallen, or otherwise be in a less than dignified position but you still wish them to stay at home for a short time, we can still attend to make sure they are looking peaceful and dignified in bed, returning later to complete the transfer to our care.

The GP will then issue the Death Certificate (MCCD) during surgery hours. 

Sudden, accidental or unexpected deaths 

Where someone dies unexpectedly, suddenly, perhaps by accident or otherwise, it is likely that the Police will be involved and will required to investigate the death and take statements.  It is likely in such a case that they will arrange for the deceased to be transferred by a contracted funeral director to the Public Mortuary at Queen Street pending investigation.  This may seem particularly traumatic but the Police will explain procedures and the importance of their investigation.    Depending on the investigation, the Procurator Fiscal may instruct a Post Mortem.  No funeral arrangements can be booked until this is complete, although we can still discuss options with you and answer any questions you have.   Where Police attend, but do not require to investigate the death at that stage, then our services can be requested by a family member pending certification.

In the event that we transfer someone into our care, but later the funeral is carried out by another funeral director, perhaps because of a funeral plan being discovered, or someone dies away from home, then we will simply charge for our initial attendance and care.

Pause....

Finally, everybody responds in their own way and in different circumstances.  You may be someone who responds by going into practical mode.  Perhaps you simply want everything taken care of as quickly and quietly as possible.  This is absolutely fine.

Equally, you may wish to take a few private moments simply to pause, reflect, hold your loved ones hand, utter a quiet prayer of thankfulness or brokenness, perhaps to light a candle or play a piece of music.  This also is absolutely fine, and if this is so, you must not feel rushed to do anything immediately.  There will be practical arrangements, and things to do in time, but if appropriate and if you wish, you are free simply to take time in this poignant moment.