What do I do if someone dies in hospital?

What happens after a death in a BC hospital, and how to have your loved one brought into a funeral provider's care.

Updated September 29, 2026

When someone dies in hospital, the hospital team looks after the first steps. You do not need to make decisions on the spot.

What happens at the hospital

A doctor or nurse confirms the death. Where possible, the person is left on the unit for a short time so you can be with them. They are then moved to the hospital morgue, where they are cared for until they are released to the funeral provider you choose.

A doctor or nurse practitioner completes the Medical Certificate of Death within 48 hours. The funeral provider needs it to register the death.

If your religious or cultural traditions call for the person to go straight from the unit to the funeral provider, tell the nursing staff as early as you can. Vancouver Coastal Health's booklet for families says this can usually be arranged unless the coroner is involved.

If the coroner is involved

Some deaths must be reported to the BC Coroners Service, such as a death that may be the result of an accident. The coroner decides whether an autopsy or other examination is needed and will tell you when the person can be moved. This can mean the person is not released right away.

Choosing a funeral provider

It is up to you to choose a funeral provider. Once you have, the person with the legal right to make the arrangements signs an authorization so the provider can bring the person into its care. That is the executor named in the will or, if there is no will, the next person in the order set by BC law. See who can arrange a cremation in BC.

If you choose us, call (604) 856-2346 at any hour. We can begin with your authorization by phone, and you can complete the arrangements online, or in person at our office or your home for an extra cost. A transfer from a hospital is included in our price.

Personal belongings

Ask the nursing unit how to collect the person's clothing and valuables. Vancouver Coastal Health's booklet for families notes that clothing is usually kept on the unit for 48 hours.

For the other steps in the days ahead, see what to do when someone dies in British Columbia.

When you are ready, call us at any hour at (604) 856-2346, or contact us online.