Care of the deceased’s body

Care of the patient’s body after death (or providing ‘last offices’) is important and should be undertaken with dignity and respect.

Discuss any cultural or religious rites with family and carers before handling the body and, when necessary, adhere to infection control procedures. If appropriate, care of the body may include washing the deceased’s body, combing their hair and dressing them in clean clothes. Family and carers may wish to assist in providing this care and may choose special clothing or jewellery to dress the deceased.

If the death is to be reported to the coroner, the deceased’s body should not be touched or moved after death until advised by the coroner, coroner’s officer or police. Any medical equipment in place at the time of death (including subcutaneous infusion pumps) should remain in situ. In these circumstances, care of the body is provided by the funeral director after the deceased has been released by the coroner.

Once a death has been verified, some family members and carers may wish to spend time with the deceased, or wait for other family members to arrive before moving the body to a mortuary or funeral director. For families and carers of patients who died in a healthcare facility, the accommodating this wish often depends on operational requirements. However, for families or carers of patients who died at home and whose death is not to be reported to the coroner, this wish can be accommodated by contacting the mortuary technician or funeral director for advice on how to minimise deterioration of the body. Generally, the body should be placed in a cooled room and positioned flat in bed with the arms straightened comfortably by the side. Compact portable refrigeration units (eg cooling beds, plates or blankets) can ensure the body remains at the required temperature and allow the deceased to remain at home for a prolonged period (eg until the funeral). The funeral director will liaise with the family to arrange a time for transfer of the body.