After the death of your loved one
We are very sorry for your loss.
Losing someone close to you is deeply personal. It is a privilege to care for your loved one with dignity, and we are here to support you with kindness and clear information during this difficult time.
This page explains what happens next and who to contact if you have questions.
What happens after death?
When someone dies in our care, they are respectfully transferred to the mortuary. Our dedicated team ensures they are cared for with the highest standards of dignity and respect, honouring personal, cultural or spiritual wishes wherever possible.
If you have any specific wishes or concerns, please speak to the ward team or mortuary staff.
Seeing your loved one
We understand how important it can be to spend time with your loved one.
Viewing on the ward
Where possible, you may be able to spend time with your loved one in the department where they died. Patients may remain on the ward for a short period following death, at the discretion of the nurse in charge.
Viewing in the mortuary
Viewings in the mortuary are by appointment only:
- Monday–Friday, 9am–3:30pm (excluding bank holidays)
Please contact the mortuary team to arrange a date and time and to complete the necessary documentation.
- We offer a private, peaceful viewing room.
- A member of staff will be available to support you.
- Up to six people can attend.
- Viewings are usually limited to around 15 minutes.
If the death has been referred to HM Coroner, viewing may need to take place behind glass.
If you have questions about viewing arrangements, please speak to the team. We are here to help.
Medical Certificate and registering the death
All deaths are reviewed by the Medical Examiner team.
If the death does not need to be referred to the Coroner, the Medical Examiner will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
If the death is referred to the Coroner, there may be a delay while the Coroner carries out enquiries.
Once the MCCD has been issued and sent to the Register Office, you must register the death within five days (unless the Coroner is involved).
You will need to make an appointment at:
- Kensington and Chelsea Register Office (for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital deaths)
- Hounslow Register Office (for West Middlesex University Hospital deaths)
After registration, the Registrar will issue documentation required for burial or cremation. Your funeral director can guide you through this process.
If you have urgent faith requirements, please let the team know as soon as possible.
Transfer to a funeral director
Once the death is registered, your chosen funeral director will arrange collection from the mortuary.
A hospital release form must be completed before transfer. The funeral director can advise you on this.
Information for funeral professionals
If you are a funeral professional arranging collection, please see guidance including the required Hospital Release Forms.
Please note: The majority of releases require the Hospital Release Form to be signed by the family member or friend arranging the funeral before the patient can be released.
Tissue donation
Tissue donation can help transform lives.
Many tissues can be donated after death, including heart valves, eyes, bone and skin. If you would like to discuss tissue donation, please inform the nursing team, the Medical Examiner or mortuary staff as soon as possible.
You can also contact NHS Blood and Transplant on 0800 432 0559.
Donating to medical science
If your loved one had registered to donate their body to medical science, please contact the relevant School of Anatomy as soon as possible after the death.
London Anatomy Office
T: 020 7848 8042
E: lao@kcl.ac.uk
Repatriation (returning abroad)
If your loved one is being returned to another country or to the Republic of Ireland, please speak with the Registrar and your funeral director, as additional documentation may be required.
Pregnancy loss under 24 weeks
If you are arranging a private funeral for a pregnancy loss under 24 weeks’ gestation, an ‘Under 24 Week Certificate’ will be required.
Please speak to your clinical team. There is no charge for this service.
Contact details
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Mortuary
T: 020 3315 8225
E: chelwest.cwmortuary@nhs.net
West Middlesex University Hospital
Mortuary
T: 020 8321 5876
E: chelwest.wmmortuary@nhs.net
If you have any questions, please contact the mortuary team or the ward where your loved one was cared for.