If you're reading this from a hospital, or because someone you love is close to the end, we want you to know: there is no rush. Nothing needs to happen in the next few hours. Your loved one is safe and cared for.
This page explains what happens, step by step, so you know what to expect and what decisions you'll eventually need to make. But not right now. Right now, just be with your family.
What the hospital does
A doctor confirms the death
This happens shortly after your loved one passes. The doctor completes a medical certificate of cause of death. If the death was expected (from a known illness or in palliative care), this is usually straightforward.
You're given time
The nursing staff will give you space to be with your loved one for as long as you need. There is no clock ticking. You can hold their hand, sit quietly, say goodbye in whatever way feels right.
The hospital asks about funeral arrangements
At some point — usually gently, and not immediately — a nurse or social worker will ask if you have a funeral director. If you do, they'll contact them. If you don't, they may suggest one. You do not have to accept their suggestion.
Your loved one is moved to the hospital mortuary
Your loved one will be respectfully moved to the hospital's mortuary, where they're kept in appropriate conditions until a funeral director collects them. Most hospitals can hold your loved one for 24-48 hours, sometimes longer.
The funeral director collects your loved one
When you've chosen a funeral director and given authorisation, they'll coordinate directly with the hospital to bring your loved one into their care. At Greenfields, we typically collect within 2-4 hours of being called, any time of day or night.
Your rights — what you need to know
You can choose ANY licensed funeral director. The hospital may suggest someone they work with regularly. That's fine — but it's a suggestion, not a requirement. You're free to choose whoever feels right for your family.
You don't have to decide immediately. Your loved one is safe in the hospital mortuary. You can go home, rest, talk to family, and make the decision in the morning. The hospital will not pressure you.
You can say no to anything you're not comfortable with. If you're offered services you don't want, or feel pressured into decisions, you have the right to pause and think.
You can ask questions. Hospital staff, social workers, and funeral directors should all be willing to explain anything you don't understand. If they're not, that tells you something.
When the coroner is involved
In some circumstances, the death is reported to the WA Coroner. This happens when the death is unexpected, the cause is uncertain, or it occurs during or shortly after a medical procedure. It's routine — it doesn't mean anything suspicious.
If the coroner is involved, your loved one will remain at the State Mortuary until the coroner releases them. This can take days or sometimes weeks. The coroner's office will keep you informed. Once released, your chosen funeral director will collect your loved one and proceed with arrangements.
You can still choose your funeral director and start planning the service while the coroner completes their process.
Major Perth hospitals — what to expect
Fiona Stanley Hospital (Murdoch): Perth's largest hospital. Has a dedicated bereavement service and social workers available. We collect regularly from FSH.
Royal Perth Hospital: Central Perth. Social work team available to assist families. Can hold your loved one in the mortuary while you make arrangements.
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Nedlands): Major tertiary hospital. Bereavement support available. Mortuary facilities on-site.
Rockingham General Hospital: Closest major hospital to our Port Kennedy office — just 15 minutes away. We can respond quickly for families in the southern suburbs.
Bunbury Hospital (South West Health Campus): The main hospital for our Bunbury families. We serve the Southwest from our Bunbury office.
Peel Health Campus (Mandurah): Serves the Mandurah and Peel region. Our Port Kennedy office is 20 minutes away.
Perth Children's Hospital (Nedlands): If you are facing the loss of a child, the hospital has specialised bereavement support. We handle these situations with the deepest sensitivity and care.
How Greenfields responds
When you call us — any time, day or night — a real person answers. Not a call centre, not a recording, not an interstate operator. Our team.
We'll ask you a few gentle questions: your loved one's name, which hospital they're at, and whether you'd like us to collect them now or in the morning. If your loved one had a funeral plan with us, we'll already have their wishes on file — your family won't need to make any decisions.
We typically arrive at the hospital within 2-4 hours. Your loved one is transferred into our care at our Port Kennedy or Bunbury facility, where they remain in our hands — not outsourced, not transferred to a third party.
The next day (or whenever you're ready), we'll meet with you to discuss arrangements. Our guide to the funeral arrangement process explains what that meeting involves, what your options are, and what everything costs — so there are no surprises. If you'd like to learn more about putting a funeral plan in place for yourself after this experience, our planning ahead hub is there when you need it. There's no pressure. There's no clock. Just a conversation about what feels right.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the funeral director the hospital suggests?
No. You have the right to choose any licensed funeral director. Take your time to choose someone you feel comfortable with.
How long can my loved one stay at the hospital?
Most Perth hospitals hold your loved one for 24-48 hours. There's no need to make decisions in the first few hours. Your loved one is safe.
What if my loved one dies at night or on the weekend?
We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. Call 1300 69 79 89 any time and a real person will answer.
What if my loved one dies at home, not in hospital?
We have a separate guide for that: What to Do When Someone Dies at Home in Perth.
What does the transfer cost?
Transfer from any Perth metro hospital is included in all our service packages at no additional charge (within 40km). There are no hidden fees. See our full pricing.
Need us now?
We're here. Any hour, any day. Call and a real person will answer.
Call 1300 69 79 89 Available 24 hours, 7 days