The first 24 hours following the death of a loved one can be a haze of emotion. However this is also a time when many initial decisions will need to be made. It is important to take time and not to rush.

A William Barrett and Sons funeral director can be contacted any time of the day or night on 08 9722 5311 for personal, professional advice.

A person may die in any number of places or circumstances but there are two categories of death; a reportable death, in which the Coroner may be involved; and a non-reportable death, in which the deceased’s usual doctor will complete the paperwork required for a funeral.

A doctor or police officer must attend the place of death to establish whether the death is reportable before the funeral director is able to attend. If a person dies in nursing care, either in hospital, an aged care facility or at home, nursing staff will assist you.

In most cases the police will not need to attend, unless the death:

  • Was unexpected, unnatural or violent or resulted directly or indirectly from injury;
  • Occurred during an anaesthetic or as a result of an anaesthetic procedure;
  • Is of a person whose identity is unknown;
  • Is of a person who immediately before death was a person held in care;
  • Appears to have been caused or contributed to while the person was held in care;
  • Appears to have been caused or contributed to by a member of the police force;
  • Occurred in WA and where a medical practitioner has not certified the cause.

If the police are involved, they will arrange for the funeral director to transfer the deceased to the nearest regional hospital.

In all other circumstances it is advised to call the deceased’s usual doctor’s surgery. Most doctor’s surgeries will have an after-hours number to call if a person dies outside normal surgery hours. Once a doctor has been you may call the funeral director to come.

When William Barrett and Sons staff arrive at the place of death, family members are welcome to assist or witness us taking their loved one into our care. We encourage families to be involved as much or as little as they wish in all parts of the funeral process.

When phone contact is made, we will ask:

  • The deceased’s full name and date of birth;
  • Your full name, relationship to the deceased and contact phone number;
  • The place of death;
  • Whether a doctor or police officer has attended;
  • An appropriate time for us to attend;
  • The approximate height and weight of the deceased;
  • Whether there is a Pre-Arranged Funeral Plan.

If you have further questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page or do not hesitate to contact us on 08 9722 5311.