When a death occurs, it must be determined that, in fact, life is absent from the body, so the first person you contact will be your doctor or a trained medical caregiver (hospice sister, ambulance paramedic etc.). By law a Notification of Death (BI-1663) to certify the cause of death must be signed by a Doctor. This Certificate is usually signed and completed by the Doctor on request by the Funeral Director or family member the day after.
When a death occurs at home or in a Private Hospital, the family doctor, providing he/she has treated the person during the previous three months, will normally be able to issue the BI-1663. Alternatively, when a person dies in a Government Hospital, it is normal for the attending doctor/hospital medical superintendant at the hospital to sign the Notification of Death (BI-1663). It is important to note that the Notification of Death is NOT a Death Certificate but is used to obtain the same from the Department of Home Affairs.
You may find it helpful to contact your priest/minister if you belong to a religious community and/or a good friend if you live on your own.
Should Oakleigh be your choice of funeral director, call us, day or night, on our 24 hour telephone number and a dedicated, caring staff member will assist you by taking down important information so that a team can be despatched to collect your loved one.
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