Bereavement Service
Please see this information for bereaved families relating to COVID-19
The death of a loved one can be one of the most distressing events that can happen.
At Luton and Dunstable, the Bereavement Support Staff are here to help during this most difficult time.
Our Bereavement Support Staff are available Monday to Friday 08.00-17.30 and can be contacted on 01582 497344 with a message service outside of these hours.
Our Staff will guide you through what you need to do next, providing information on:
- Obtaining a Medical Certificate of cause of death
- Registering a death
- Arranging a funeral
- HM Coroner’s procedures
- Viewing your loved one again
If you wish to have any further discussions with the medical team attending your loved one, the Bereavement Team can arrange this for you.
Contact details: 01582 497344
Take part in our Bereavement survey
At Bedford, the Bereavement Service has a dedicated team of staff, who are here to provide help, advice and support. They co-ordinate the completion of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and all other necessary medico-legal paperwork and liaise with medical and nursing staff, Coroners Officers, Funeral Directors, the Registrar and other outside agencies.
A bereavement book is given to all relatives who experience bereavement at Bedford Hospital and this book provides a step-by-step guide on “what to do next”.
The team cannot offer counselling services but can provide information on where and how these services can be accessed.
The team is available Monday to Friday 10am to 3.30pm and can be contacted on: direct dial 01234 792163, or internal ext 4621, email bhn-tr.bedfordhospitalbereavementservices@nhs.net
The MCCD can be collected from the Bereavement Office along with any valuables, clothing or personal effects belonging to the deceased. Our staff will contact you once these are ready to be collected.
Viewings of deceased patients are available on an appointment basis only and if you would like a chaplain present whilst you visit your loved one, this can be arranged.
Our Chaplaincy Service is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week to offer pastoral, spiritual and emotional support to people of all faiths and beliefs as well as supporting those with no faith or belief. The Faith and Belief Room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is a beautiful place of peace and tranquillity to reflect or pray.