Bereavement Office

If you have lost a relative or friend whilst they were a patient at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, many staff will have been involved in their care during their stay and so on behalf of all of them we wish to express our condolences, sympathy and concern for you at this time.

Getting Advice

Immediate Arrangements

We have a team of bereavement advisers who are pleased to offer help, advice and support for relatives and carers of those who have died in our care.  They will help you make arrangements to:

• collect the medical certificate of cause of death
• explain the procedures for the registration the death
• explain the procedure for returning the deceased’s property

We have prepared a Bereavement Booklet to support and guide you through what happens after a loved one dies in hospital and the support available to you.

Which Funeral Directors?

You may wish to approach more than one funeral director to get an estimate of their costs before making your choice; you will find that your chosen funeral director will be able to guide you in every detail in making the funeral arrangements. Our bereavement staff will be able to advise you of names of funeral directors in your area if required but they are not allowed to make any personal recommendation as this is against hospital policy.

In the event where a post mortem has been requested or undertaken they can give advice on the procedure for registering the death in this situation. Further advice can be obtained in the sections Post Mortem Examination or Coroner.

Appointments

It is important to make an appointment to see an adviser, as he/she will arrange to have everything ready for you, thus avoiding any unnecessary wait. To make an appointment, please telephone the Bereavement Office on

01603 287165 or 01603 287166.

If you are connected to the answerphone it is because staff are with a family; please leave your contact numbers and the name of your relative and you will be called as soon as possible.

Please do not come to the office without an appointment as this means the certificate is not ready for collection and your journey will have been in vain.

Relatives with an appointment in the Bereavement Office are advised to report to the East Inpatient Reception, Level 1, East Atrium or East Out Patient Reception Level 2.

Hospital Chapel

The death of a family member or friend, even if expected, can be a very difficult time emotionally for family, friends and staff.

The Hospital Chapel, situated on Level 1, Centre Block, is always available as a special place for those who wish to spend time in quiet thought or prayer and contemplation, or just to get away from the stresses of ordinary life.  It is a non-denominational, multi faith facility and welcomes those of all faiths or none.

The Hospital Chaplains will always work to give appropriate individual support to relatives and friends and contact local religious representatives as required. The bereavement advisers or hospital switchboard can provide you with their contact numbers or contact them on your behalf.

Comments and Feedback

You may wish to talk over your recent experiences, this could be with your family doctor, nurse, social worker, hospital chaplain or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service  (PALS) at this hospital.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital aims to provide the best possible service for patients and familities, and welcomes feedback, both good and bad, on the service.  If you have any comments on the service you have experienced, you can make your comments to the person in charge of the department, or you can write or telephone the Patient Advice and Liaison Service.

We hope these pages are of use to you during the first few difficult days following your bereavement.  If you have any further queries, or in need of any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the Bereavement Office, details below.

Opening Times

Monday	09:30 – 16:00
Tuesday	09:30 – 16:00
Wednesday	09:30 – 16:00
Thursday	09:30 – 16:00
Friday	09:30 – 16:00
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Contact Details

Telephone: 01603 287165 or 01603 287166