When a death occurs
When a death occurs, it can be confusing to know what to do first. The following information may be of assistance to you
A sudden or unexpected death
By law, all accidental, sudden or unexpected deaths must be reported to Police, who will refer the matter to the Coroner. If necessary, the Police will arrange the transfer of the deceased to Royal Darwin Hospital for further investigation. When you feel the time is right, you may contact us during this time. However, it may not be possible to finalise the funeral arrangements until the Coroner has completed their initial investigation. When the Coroner has confirmed the deceased can be released into the care of a funeral director, the funeral arrangements can be finalised, and we will arrange the transfer to our funeral home.
An expected death from natural causes
If a person is under the care of a doctor, and death occurs at home or a nursing home due to a known medical condition, a phone call should be made to the doctor or nursing team to notify death has occurred. Under these circumstances, a medical professional is usually present when the death occurs, and can assist you at this time. When you feel the time is right, please contact Darwin Funeral Services (08) 8945 2222, so we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care. We will also arrange a time to meet with you to discuss the funeral arrangements.
If the death occurs in hospital under these circumstances, the family will need to inform us of the death. We will arrange a time to meet with you to discuss the funeral arrangements, and transfer the deceased into our care.
We are here to help you anytime. Please contact us on (08) 8945 2222. It is remarkable how much reassurance one phone call can give.
Thank you for the respect and dignity you afforded our daughter.
I and M
