When the Funeral Director should be contacted

When the death is sudden or accidental, the first step is to ring the family doctor. If he/she isn’t satisfied as to the cause of death, it is the doctor’s duty to contact the local police. They may arrange for the deceased to be transferred, depending on the situation and in some cases, the coroner will call for a post mortem to determine the cause of death. This is always the case in accidental deaths and suicides. This may delay funeral / cremation arrangements slightly. The police will authorise a ‘government contract’ funeral director to transfer the deceased to the coroner’s mortuary, how-ever you and your family may choose the Funeral Director of your choice to conduct the funeral/cremation service, as you are under no obligation to the ‘government contract’ Funeral Director.

When the death takes place in a hospital or nursing home. Contact your funeral Director so we can assist with all paperwork and formalities. If a cremation is requested, our funeral home will liaise with the doctor to prepare the necessary paperwork.

When the passing of a pre-term or stillborn baby occurs, most people do not know what the procedures are. After 20 weeks gestation, or if the weight is more than 400 grams, the baby must be buried or cremated. Our Funeral Home can arrange for a meaningful service, to give everyone the opportunity to say goodbye.

After the transfer of the deceased , they will be placed into a cool mortuary room until the day of the funeral.

Our trained staff will cleanse, dress and if the family wishes, prepare the deceased for a viewing after the funeral arrangements have been made.