Funeral directory
Hospitals & bereavement offices in Northern Ireland
What happens when someone dies in hospital in Northern Ireland — bereavement offices, the medical certificate, mortuary procedures and your next steps — with a directory coming soon.
Quick answer
When someone dies in hospital, a bereavement office guides the family through collecting belongings, the medical certificate of cause of death, and the next steps. This page explains the process, and our directory will list hospital bereavement offices and contacts.
A death in hospital can feel overwhelming, but staff are there to help. David Crymble & Sons work with hospital bereavement offices across Northern Ireland and can take your loved one into our care when you are ready.
Bereavement offices
Most hospitals have a bereavement office that supports families after a death — arranging the medical certificate, returning belongings and explaining the next steps. They will tell you when the certificate is ready and what to do.
The medical certificate & mortuary
A doctor issues the medical certificate of cause of death, which allows the death to be registered. Your loved one rests in the hospital mortuary until your chosen funeral director brings them into their care — we coordinate this with the hospital.
If the coroner is involved
Some deaths are referred to the coroner, which is routine in certain circumstances. The coroner's office and bereavement office will guide you, and we keep you informed at every stage. See what to do when someone dies.
Directory coming soon
A searchable directory is on the way
We are building a searchable directory for this section. Soon you will be able to search by:
- Hospital
- Trust
- Bereavement office
- Contact number
- Mortuary information
In the meantime, the information above is here to help — and you can call us any hour for guidance.
Need help now?
If someone has died or you are unsure what to do next, David Crymble & Sons Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day. We can guide you step by step — whether the death has happened at home, in hospital, in a care home, or elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hospital bereavement office?
A team that supports families after a death in hospital — arranging the medical certificate, returning belongings and explaining next steps.
When can our funeral director collect our loved one?
Once the medical certificate is issued (or the coroner releases the person), we coordinate collection with the hospital mortuary. You can call us 24 hours a day.
Who issues the medical certificate?
A hospital doctor issues the medical certificate of cause of death, which is needed to register the death.
What if the death is referred to the coroner?
This is routine in certain circumstances. The coroner's and bereavement offices guide you, and we keep you informed.
Can we still choose our own funeral director?
Yes, always. You are free to choose any funeral director; the hospital does not decide for you.
Related resources
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by: David Crymble & Sons
Sources: official guidance from NI Direct, HSC NI, MoneyHelper, Marie Curie, Cruse and the relevant councils, where applicable.
This page is for general guidance only. Requirements can change, so please check with the relevant official organisation or contact David Crymble & Sons for help.