Mortuary and Bereavement Services

The Mortuary and Bereavement Offices are located via North Wing Level 1. Opening hours are 8am until 4pm Monday to Friday. The office is closed at the weekends and during public holidays. An out-of-hours service is available at weekends for exceptional circumstances and is accessible via switchboard.

The Bereavement Office will ensure all necessary legal documentation required when a death occurs within the hospital is completed. As part of the completion of this documentation next of kins are contacted by a Medical Examiner. These Medical Examiners will discuss with treating doctors ensure the Cause of Death on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is accurate. They then contact the next of kin to discuss the Cause of Death and to answer any questions regarding this.

The Bereavement Office will offer information regarding death registration and funeral arrangements. Some practical information to help next of kins through challenging times can be accessed from the link below. 

Should you find you have additional questions or concerns please contact the Bereavement Office, they will signpost you to additional support if required.

Further information and support for those who have experienced a loss is available below:

• Bereavement booklet
• Coping with grief booklet

Staff and telephone numbers

Mortuary: 01305 255250

Bereavement Office: 01305 255125

Medical Examiner Office: 01305 255251

Mortuary Manager and HTA Designated Individual
Judith Whitehead
judith.whitehead@nhs.net
Ext: 4066

Anatomical Pathology Technologist
Rachel Caswell
rachel.caswell1@nhs.net
Ext: 5250

Mortuary and Bereavement Assistants
Claire Saxton
claire.saxton7@nhs.net
Ext: 5250

Charlotte Aston
charlotte.aston5@nhs.net
Ext: 5012 / 5125

Medical Examiner Officers
Fern Boniwell (Lead)
fern.boniwell1@nhs.net
Ext 5251

Alex Starkie
alex.starkie@nhs.net
Ext: 5862

Ailsa Saw
ailsa.saw1@nhs.net
Ext: 3361

Medical Examiners
dch.medicalexaminers@nhs.net
Ext: 5251