Death in Hospital: What Happens and the Rights of Family Members

What happens in hospital

A hospital or health centre ward is a common place of death in Finland, especially among older people. The process is systematic and the staff are trained to handle the situation.

The moment of death

When a patient dies in hospital:

• Nursing staff observe the death or monitors alert
• A doctor is called to confirm the death
• If family members are not present, they are called
• There are no urgent procedures – you can be in peace beside the deceased

Expected death on the ward

In the hospice phase, death is often anticipated:

• Nursing staff have prepared the family
• A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decision has often been made
• Family members have been offered the opportunity to stay overnight with the patient
• After death, there is no rush – a peaceful farewell time is arranged

Unexpected death in hospital

If the death is unexpected (complication, sudden deterioration):

• Resuscitation may be attempted
• The doctor decides on stopping resuscitation
• Family members are informed as soon as possible
• A cause-of-death investigation may be initiated

Staff procedures

Hospital staff handle the procedures after death professionally and respectfully.

Confirmation of death

• The doctor checks vital signs and confirms the death
• The time of death is recorded to the minute
• The doctor enters the death certificate details into the patient information system

Preparing the deceased

Nursing staff prepare the deceased:

• Washing and cleaning the deceased
• Removing medical devices (cannulas, catheters, drains)
• Dressing the deceased – family members can bring their own clothes
• Closing the eyes and mouth
• Attaching an identification bracelet

Death certificate and documents

• The doctor draws up the death certificate once the cause of death has been established, and it is sent to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
• The death is reported to the population information system
• The doctor issues the burial permit free of charge to the person arranging the funeral, or on their behalf to the funeral home
• The medical record is archived

Rights of family members

Some of the family's rights are based on law, but many practices depend on the hospital's own procedures.

Right to be present

• Hospitals try to make it possible for family members to be present at the moment of death, especially in hospice care
• Staying overnight with the patient can often be arranged
• Family members can usually spend time beside the deceased after death
• A hospital chaplain or a representative of your own religious community can be asked to come

Right to information

• You can ask the treating physician about the patient's final moments and the cause of death
• Information from cause-of-death investigation documents may be given to the deceased's next of kin or other close person (Act on the Investigation of Cause of Death, section 15)
• The deceased's patient records can be obtained on a justified written application if the information is needed to establish your own important interests or rights (Patients' Rights Act, section 13)
• The next of kin can apply for a medical autopsy to establish the cause of death (Act on the Investigation of Cause of Death, section 4)

Decision-making

• In organ donation, the deceased's own will decides: organs may be removed unless there is reason to believe the deceased would have objected. The family is informed, but has decision-making power only in special cases, such as the guardians of a minor (Act 101/2001, section 9)
• A medical autopsy in hospital requires the consent of the next of kin (Act on the Investigation of Cause of Death, section 5); a forensic autopsy does not
• You can express wishes regarding the preparation of the deceased
• The family chooses the funeral home
• Funeral arrangements are made by the spouse or cohabiting partner and the closest heirs, unless the deceased named someone else; the deceased's beliefs and wishes must be respected (Burial Act, sections 2 and 23)

Right to complain

If a family member suspects a medical error:

• A formal complaint (muistutus) to the director responsible for healthcare at the unit – a relative or other close person can file it on behalf of a deceased patient (Patients' Rights Act, section 10)
• A complaint to the Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto) (from 1 January 2026; previously the regional state administrative agencies and Valvira)
• A patient injury notification to the Patient Insurance Centre
• If the death is suspected to have been caused by a medical procedure, the police must carry out an investigation to establish the cause of death (Act on the Investigation of Cause of Death, section 7)

Viewing the deceased

Family members have the right to see the deceased and say goodbye in peace.

On the ward

• Immediately after death, family members can be with the deceased
• Nursing staff allow time – there is no rush
• You can pray, speak or be silent beside the deceased
• Children can also see the deceased if they wish and an adult is present

Farewell room or chapel

• Many hospitals offer a separate farewell room
• A peaceful and dignified space for viewing the deceased
• Flowers and candles can usually be brought
• Time is booked through the hospital staff

Viewing the deceased in cold storage

If family members could not be present immediately after death:

• The deceased can be viewed later in the hospital's cold storage
• A time is agreed with the staff
• The deceased is identifiable and neatly prepared
• The experience can be important for the grief process

Collecting belongings

The deceased's personal belongings must be collected from the hospital.

Storage of belongings

• Nursing staff list the patient's belongings after death
• Valuables (jewellery, wallet, phone, watches) are stored separately in a locked area
• Clothes and other items are packed and labelled
• Belongings are kept on the ward for a few days

Collecting belongings

• Contact the ward and agree on a collection time
• Bring identification
• Check the list of items and sign for the collected belongings
• Also check the safety deposit box if the patient had one

Missing belongings

If you notice belongings are missing:

• Report immediately to the ward
• Check whether items have been transferred to another unit
• Make a written inquiry if necessary
• The hospital will look into the matter; if needed, you can file a formal complaint (muistutus)

Documents and paperwork

Several documents are needed after a hospital death.

Obtained from the hospital

• Burial permit – needed for burial or cremation
• Death certificate – drawn up by the doctor once the cause of death has been established
• List of belongings – list of the deceased's personal items
• Patient records – information on the deceased's care can be obtained on a justified written application

Handled by the family

• Notifying authorities of the death
• Choosing a funeral home
• Initiating the estate inventory
• Handling banking matters
• Settling insurance matters

Digital and Population Data Services Agency

The healthcare unit or doctor reports the death to the population information system maintained by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV):

• The population information system is updated
• Kela, the Tax Administration and pension institutions receive the information automatically
• Family members do not need to report the death to these agencies separately

Transport and storage of the deceased

The deceased is stored in the hospital's cold storage during funeral arrangements.

Storage at the hospital

• Whether storage is free and for how long varies between wellbeing services counties
• A fee may be charged for longer storage
• The deceased is kept in proper cold storage
• Identification is ensured with a bracelet

Transport to the funeral home

• The funeral home arranges transport from the hospital
• Transport is usually included in the funeral home's service package
• The time is agreed between the hospital and the funeral home
• Family members are not usually present during transport

Transport to another locality

If the deceased is to be buried in another locality:

• The funeral home arranges long-distance transport
• Transport takes place in an appropriate vehicle
• The cost depends on the distance and the funeral home's price list; ask for a price in advance
• The necessary documents (burial permit) must be available

Next steps

After a hospital death, several practical matters need to be handled.

First days

1. Notify loved ones of the death
2. Choose a funeral home
3. Begin funeral arrangements
4. Collect the deceased's belongings from the hospital

First week

1. Notify the authorities of the death
2. Notify the bank and insurance companies
3. Agree on the date of the funeral
4. Plan the memorial service

First month

1. Submit the documents needed for the estate inventory
2. Settle insurance matters
3. Handle banking matters
4. Seek grief support if necessary

Read more about what to do when a loved one dies.