When a death occurs many people don’t know who to contact first.  The answer to this question will depend on where your loved has passed away and the cause of death. 

Townsville Funerals, Cremations and Crematorium are available at any time with no obligation for you to call to seek assistance and guidance and answer any questions you may have to make this difficult time just a little easier.

We hope the following explanations will start by helping with some of the most commonly asked questions.

When an expected death occurs at home

When an expected death occurs at home, you will need to phone the appropriate person that has been caring for your loved one, ie: Blue Care/Anglicare.  One of their wonderful staff will then visit and organise a Life Extinct form which allows us to transport your loved one into our care.  They will generally also notify your loved ones Doctor to organise the Form 9 (Cause of Death) certificate to be written. Please see “Registration Of Death” tab under the Help & Advice menu.

When a death occurs in a nursing home

Nursing Homes now require your choice of Funeral Home to be nominated at the time of becoming a resident, so when your loved one passes there can be no confusion as to whom they have to call.

In the event of a death occurring, the nursing staff, after notifying family if applicable, will firstly provide the Life Extinct form and then contact the Funeral Home.  They will also notify your loved ones G.P for the Form 9 to be written which the Funeral Home will collect when required.

When a death occurs in a hospital

When a death occurs in a hospital, the nursing staff will contact the next of kin to notify them of the death.  Your family will need to make contact with a funeral director such as Townsville Funerals, Cremations and Crematorium when you are ready to commence the funeral arrangements so that we can liaise with the hospital to transfer your loved one into our care and obtain the relevant paperwork such as the Cause of Death Certificate.

When a death occurs suddenly

When a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, from an accident or a suicide, it is the doctor’s or families responsibility to notify the police.  The body must not be moved or disturbed in any way without the permission of the police or coroner.  The police will contact the government appointed funeral home to transfer the deceased from the place of death to the Coroner’s mortuary.

In these circumstances the Coroner investigates and determines the cause and circumstances of the death which may involve a post mortem examination.  Unfortunately at times, funeral arrangements may be delayed until the necessary clearance is obtained from the Coroner but you can contact Townsville Funerals, Cremations and Crematorium when you are ready to make your decisions and our friendly and helpful staff will guide you through the process of what needs to be done next.