What happens in hospital immediately after death?

The doctor confirms the death and records the time of death. Nursing staff prepare the deceased – wash, dress and tidy. Family members are notified if they are not present. The deceased is transferred to the hospital's cold storage (mortuary). A nurse goes through practical matters with the family and provides information about next steps.

How quickly must the deceased's belongings be collected?

Belongings can usually be collected within a few days from the ward. The hospital stores them safely, but it is courteous to collect them within a reasonable time. Valuables (jewellery, wallet, phone) are usually listed and stored separately. Bring a list of collected items for signing.

Who pays for storage of the deceased at the hospital?

The hospital stores the deceased free of charge in its cold storage for a reasonable period (usually 1–2 weeks). After this, the hospital may charge a storage fee. If funeral arrangements are delayed, it is advisable to contact the hospital and funeral home. The funeral home takes care of transport from the hospital's cold storage onwards.

Can flowers be brought for the deceased at the hospital?

Generally, flowers cannot be brought to the mortuary. However, flowers and candles can usually be brought to the farewell room or chapel where the deceased is viewable. Ask the hospital staff about their practices – they vary between hospitals. Flowers can also be brought to the funeral.

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

Q: Can a family member be present at the moment of death?

Yes. Family members have the right to be present at the moment of death, and hospitals endeavour to arrange this. If the death occurs at night, family members are called and can come to the hospital. In hospice situations, family members are given the opportunity to stay overnight with the patient. In intensive care, presence may be more restricted.

What happens in hospital

Hospital death is the most common place of death in Finland – approximately half of Finns die in a hospital or health centre ward. 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 DNR decision (do not resuscitate) has 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 within 1–3 working days
The death certificate is sent electronically to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency
A burial permit is given to the family or funeral home
The medical record is archived

Rights of family members

Family members have legally based rights in connection with a death.

Right to be present

Right to be present at the moment of death (hospice care)
Right to stay overnight with the patient (often arrangeable)
Right to spend time beside the deceased after death
Right to bring a chaplain or minister

Right to information

Right to receive information about the patient's final moments
Right to ask the treating physician about the cause of death
Right to request a copy of the medical record (next of kin)
Right to receive an explanation of treatment procedures

Decision-making

Right to decide on organ donation if the deceased did not express their wishes
Right to express wishes regarding the preparation of the deceased
Right to choose the funeral home
Right to decide on the method and timing of burial

Right to complain

If a family member suspects a medical error:

A complaint to the care facility
A complaint to the regional state administrative agency (AVI) or Valvira
A damage report to the Patient Insurance Centre
A request for a forensic cause-of-death investigation

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 is responsible for the patient's belongings

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 within 1–3 working days
List of belongings – list of the deceased's personal items
Care summary – available to the next of kin on request

Handled by the family

Digital and Population Data Services Agency

The hospital automatically notifies the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) of the death:

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

The hospital stores the deceased free of charge for a reasonable period (1–2 weeks)
A fee may be charged for longer storage
The deceased is kept in proper cold storage (+2–4 °C)
Identification is ensured with a bracelet