Shoreline Funerals Compassionate - Personal - Affordable

© Shoreline Funerals (Pty) Ltd.  Reg. 2012/192680/07



Death usually takes place at a hospital, hospice or a private residence, but occasionally elsewhere as in the case of road accident. The initial concern then is the REMOVAL of the deceased.


In the case of a hospital the medical staff will certify the death and either instruct the contracted Undertaker to facilitate removal to their mortuary, or request that the family supply them with the name of their chosen Undertaker. Most government hospitals have a contracted Undertaker who will temporarily removed the deceased to their mortuary until the family decides on their preferred funeral company. Provided this is done within 72 hours the contracted Undertaker cannot charge for this initial removal. If the hospital has no contracted Undertaker, as with most private hospitals and hospice facilities, the family is free to nominate whoever they wish to facilitate the removal. While some private hospitals and hospices have preferred service providers they cannot insist that you use a particular company. Once the removal has taken place the Undertaker would normally give the family some time to process the passing of their loved one before making contact to continue with necessary arrangements. Similar procedures would apply for most retirement homes.


In the case of death occurring at a private residence the doctor overseeing medical care would need to be informed. He/she might come to the residence to certify the death. If the death was to some degree expected the doctor may decide to approve the removal telephonically provided a medically competent person is present at the time of death, or the paramedics have been in attendance and provided a 'Declaration of Death'.


If the person was an outpatient of a local hospital with a pre-existing chronic condition the paramedics can be called. In many cases there is some uncertainty about the cause of death or the doctor is unavailable in which case both the paramedics and police will need to be notified. The paramedics will provide a 'Declaration of Death' and the police will supply an 'SAP180' declaring there is nothing suspicious relating to the death.


In the case of an accidental, unexpected, unexplained or suspicious death whether this takes place at home, in a hospital or elsewhere the authorities (i.e. police and/or medical professionals) will refer the matter to a government medico legal lab. In these cases the deceased is removed to the state mortuary with a post-mortem normally taking place in the days following.


If in any doubt feel free to call us on 084 710 1234 at any time, or email info@shorelinefunerals.co.za for more information.