Not releasing the body

[coccinelle]

An aunt sadly died in hospital this weekend and it's only today that the death certificate could be done and funeral directors contacted apparently. However, the hospital don't want to release the body. For what reasons? This aunt has had heart problems for years and was in hospital when she died (she was fitted with a pacemaker in January but this didn't seem to help her condition). Nothing is suspect, in fact she only has a sister as close family. I'm curious.

[Sqad]

Has the death certificate been issued?

[coccinelle]

Not sure. I had phonecall to say the funeral was on Monday then next thing a phonecall to say the hospital won't release the body.

[Barmaid]

I wonder if it is to do with her pacemaker. If she is being cremated, it will need removing first I think.

[Sqad]

It sounds as though the coroner has been involved and he will decide if a post mortem is necessary before signing the death certificate and hence releasing the body.

[Sqad]

Barmaid....never thought of that.

[SizzleSquid]

it sounds like they want to a post mortem-regardless of her medical history it will still need to be done to find out exavt cause of death-unless you explicitly stated you do not want one done.

[Sqad]

Sizzlesquid

<<<<<<unless you explicitly stated you do not want one done.<<<<

If the coroner orders a PM then you have no choice.

[coccinelle]

It just seems so strange as she died in hospital so no uncome circumstances. Maybe the pacemaker is the problem then?

[ubasses]

I am sure the pacemaker is the problem, my great aunts funeral was delayed last year until they could operate and remove it.

[coccinelle]

OK ubasses They don't fit them onto other people, do they?

[ubasses]

I hope not, I never asked!!! Sure it was because she was being cremated.

[coccinelle]

Wonder why there's a problem with cremating these things...???

[scotman]

Pacemakers tend to explode if put in a cremation oven

[Barmaid]

They have to be removed because they explode in the furnace.

[coccinelle]

OK thanks for that. No doubt we have to wait until somebody can operate before releasing the body to the funeral directors so this could take some time...

[scotman]

I don't know about reusing them but if they can be properly reconditioned and new batteries fitted it seems sensible to me.

[icemaiden]

I'm surprised you were able to arrange a funeral without the death certificate. Normally that is the first thing funeral directors ask for. My dad died in hospital after heart surgery complications. We made the decision to withdraw support and he passed away peacefully. They still did a post mortem and it took a week to have the death certificate issued.

[woofgang]

some used pacemakers are sold on to the veterinary industry to help dogs with heart failure.
http://www.associated...ve_dogs_a_second.html

[woofgang]

Sorry, just so you understand, that won't be why they want to remove it from your late aunt...they explode in cremation which is dangerous...I think that folk should be told this when one is fitted so its not a shock to the relis at a sensitive time

[coccinelle]

Yes, I agree woofgang.
Not sure if funeral has been arranged. As it's just cremation (no church) the funeral directors might have just mentioned the next available slot time but the family arranging things are still hoping to keep to that allotted time.