Bereavement Service
At this difficult time there are many things which the closest
relative or friend has to do.
The staff at North Bristol NHS Trust are here to help you in
every way.
To avoid any unnecessary delays, please telephone Bereavement
Services, in the appropriate hospital, between 10.00 am and 12
noon, the first working day after the patient has died.
Telephone Frenchay: 0117 340 2057
Telephone Southmead: 0117 323 5998
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is signed by the
doctor and will be given to you by a member of the Bereavement
Services Team in the hospital where the patient died.
If you are not a relative, you should bring with you proof of
your identity and letter of authority signed by the nearest
relative of the deceased.
Personal belongings
The patient’s personal belongings may be collected at the same
time from the Bereavement Services Office.
You will need to sign an indemnity form to collect any money or
valuables held by the hospital for safe keeping.
Funeral arrangements
You may wish to appoint and contact a funeral director before
collecting the Certificate of Cause of Death. The funeral director
will require the White Form of Authorisation (release form) issued
by Bereavement Services.
Financial assistance toward the cost of the funeral may be
available if you or your partner is receiving Income Support,
Family Credit or Housing Benefit. For more
information telephone 0845 606 0265.
Cremation
If cremation is planned the hospital has to arrange for 2
doctors to sign the cremation form. The funeral director will
require this form to finalise arrangements and will collect
directly from the Hospital.
Viewing
If you wish to see the body of your loved one at the hospital,
this can be arranged between 8.30am – 5.00pm weekdays.
Please telephone:
Frenchay Hospital: 0117 340 2695
Southmead Hospital: 0117 323 5626
A limited service is available during evenings 5.00pm – 9.00pm
and weekends and bank holidays 9.00am – 5.00pm please telephone the
hospital switchboard 0117 950 5050 and ask to speak to the on call
mortuary technician.
Looking ahead
The time ahead may be a very difficult one for you. If you have
any further questions please, contact a member of the bereavement
services team on Frenchay 0117 3402057 or Southmead 0117
3235998.
For further help and guidance, download patient
information leaflet When someone dies PDF.
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