What To Do When Death Occurs
-
Please read important steps below
-
Call us at 8438 8888 (24/7) and we will respond immediately to render full assistance
-
In the meantime, prepare a set of clothes for your loved one and a photo (hard or soft copy)
Step 1: Obtain Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD)
(A) When Death Occurs At Home
1) Contact your family doctor. If you do not have a family doctor, we can help to call our panel of doctors who can certify and issue the certificate.
2) If the doctor is able to certify the death he will issue the CCOD on the spot.
If the attending doctor assesses that the death is due to unnatural cause/s, the case will be referred to the Coroner. If the autopsy reveals that the death is unnatural, the police will need to conduct further investigations into the cause of death, and the family will need to assist.
(B) When Death Occurs At The Hospital
1) A doctor at the hospital can certify the cause of death if the cause of death is known, and the cause is natural.
2) If he is unable to certify the death the case will be referred to the police. The body will be sent to Mortuary@HSA (located at Blk 9, SGH).
If the attending doctor assesses that the death is due to unnatural cause/s, the case will be referred to the Coroner. If the autopsy reveals that the death is unnatural, the police will need to conduct further investigations into the cause of death, and the family will need to assist.
Step 2: Register The Death
The law requires all deaths (regardless of citizenship) to be registered within 24 hours. Proceed to any Neighbourhood Police Centre (24/7) or the Registry of Birth and Death. The CCOD will be kept by the police and the Certificate of Death will be issued free of charge.
You will need the Death Certificate to make arrangements for an obituary in the newspapers, the funeral, and the burial or cremation.
Documents Required To Apply For Certificate of Death
- Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) issued by Doctors or Authorised Officers (i.e. Forensic Death Investigators) from the Ministry of Health
- Deceased’s NRIC (for cancellation)
- Informant’s NRIC
Step 3: Preparations For Wake & Funeral
Although many people still think of the “traditional funeral” as the norm, funeral services have grown increasingly personalised. A personalised memorial service reflects the unique life and personality of your loved one.
- Choosing of funeral package – Our Funeral Service Director will assist you in choosing casket, type of rites, obituaries, applying of permits, funeral dates, flowers, catering, tentage and related matters.
- Collection of loved one – We will arrange to collect your loved one for embalming, dressing and make-up.
- Sending of loved one to place of wake – Our staff will send your loved one in the casket to place of wake.
A well planned memorial service will provide a memorable and meaningful opportunity for mourners to express their grief while comforting and supporting each other.
The Caring Holy Spirit Bereavement Team At Your Service
-
We offer funeral packages for most faiths
-
Our funeral director will personally assist you on all funeral matters
-
Be rest assured that our rates are transparent with no hidden charges
