The hospital begins the bereavement process
The ward and bereavement team deal with the immediate hospital arrangements and the medical records needed after the death.
University Hospital Lewisham · SE13
When someone dies at University Hospital Lewisham
If someone close to you has died at Lewisham Hospital, the hospital will deal with the immediate medical and administrative steps. This guide explains what usually happens next, how the Medical Examiner process works, where the death is registered and when a funeral director can bring the person into their care.
You do not need to know what kind of funeral you want before speaking to a funeral director. If you would like to ask Poetic Endings a question or appoint us, you can contact us at any stage.
The first thing to know
You can take this one step at a time
The hospital's bereavement team helps with the administrative process after a death. The Medical Examiner service then reviews the proposed cause of death before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is sent to the register office, unless the death needs to be investigated by the coroner.
You can begin speaking to a funeral director while this process is taking place. The person who has died will remain in the hospital's care until the necessary paperwork and release arrangements are complete.
You do not need to decide on a crematorium, burial ground, ceremony or coffin before making that first call.
If you are trying to reach the hospital bereavement team
University Hospital Lewisham's published bereavement information lists the Bereavement Office on 020 8333 3431. If you cannot get through, call the current hospital switchboard on 020 8333 3000 and ask to be connected to the Bereavement Office.
After a death at Lewisham Hospital
What happens next?
The timing can vary, particularly if the coroner needs to be involved. These are the usual steps after an adult dies at University Hospital Lewisham.
The Medical Examiner reviews the death
The Lewisham and Greenwich Medical Examiner service independently reviews the proposed cause of death. The Medical Examiner or Medical Examiner Officer may contact the nominated person to explain the cause recorded and ask whether there are any concerns about the care provided.
The paperwork is sent for registration
If the death is not being investigated by the coroner, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is sent electronically to Lewisham Register Office after the Medical Examiner review.
You can choose a funeral director
You can contact funeral directors before the registration appointment. You can ask questions, compare estimates and decide who you would like to look after the person who has died and arrange the funeral.
The person can leave the hospital
Once the hospital is able to release the person who has died, the chosen funeral director arranges the transfer with University Hospital Lewisham.
Useful contacts
Who to contact after a death at Lewisham Hospital
You will not necessarily need to contact all of these services. If you are unsure where to start, the hospital switchboard can connect you to the appropriate team.
Bereavement Office
This direct number is published in University Hospital Lewisham's bereavement information. If it does not connect, call the hospital switchboard and ask for the Bereavement Office.
Medical Examiner Office
lg.medicalexaminerofficecommunitylgt@nhs.net
NHS England lists this office as covering deaths at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
Hospital switchboard
Use the switchboard if you need the Bereavement Office, mortuary or another University Hospital Lewisham service and do not have a current direct number.
Registration
Registering a death at University Hospital Lewisham
Deaths at University Hospital Lewisham are normally registered in the London Borough of Lewisham.
Lewisham Council says the doctor or hospital sends the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Medical Examiner. Once the Medical Examiner has reviewed it, the certificate is emailed to the register office. You should wait until you have been told that the paperwork has been sent before booking the registration appointment.
The death must normally be registered within five days of the Medical Examiner or coroner completing their scrutiny or investigation.
Register a death in Lewisham
Hospital viewing
Can I visit the person who has died at Lewisham Hospital?
University Hospital Lewisham's bereavement information says a viewing can be arranged through the Bereavement Office. Because hospital procedures and appointment times can change, contact the hospital before travelling to confirm the current arrangements.
If you would rather wait until the person is in the care of your funeral director, that is also possible. At Poetic Endings, private visits take place at our Forest Hill funeral home by appointment.
Call University Hospital Lewisham: 020 8333 3000
Choosing a funeral director
You can choose whichever funeral director you want
You do not need to use a particular funeral director because the person died at University Hospital Lewisham.
You may want to speak to more than one funeral director, compare estimates or simply decide who you feel most comfortable dealing with. Asking for information does not commit you to using someone.
It is also fine not to know what kind of funeral you want yet. The practical transfer into a funeral director's care and the choices about the funeral itself are separate decisions.
Ask what the estimate includes
A funeral director should explain their own fee as well as any crematorium, cemetery, church or other third-party charges.
Ask where the person will be cared for
You can ask where the mortuary is, who will be looking after the person who has died and whether private visits can be arranged.
Choose someone you can speak openly with
You should feel able to ask practical questions, discuss costs and talk about what you would like the funeral to be.
If you choose Poetic Endings
An independent funeral director serving Lewisham
Poetic Endings is based in Forest Hill and regularly arranges funerals following deaths at University Hospital Lewisham. We serve Lewisham and all of London.
Once the hospital is able to release the person who has died, we liaise with University Hospital Lewisham and arrange to bring them into our care at our funeral home in Forest Hill.
We can then explain the funeral options and costs, prepare a clear estimate, coordinate the arrangements and be there on the day.
Planning the funeral
Where could the funeral take place?
There are several crematoria and burial options close to Lewisham, as well as churches, natural burial grounds and other venues across London.
Hither Green Crematorium
A local Lewisham option on Verdant Lane. We also offer our Simple Morning Funeral here at selected morning times.
Explore London crematoriaHonor Oak Crematorium
Another nearby option in South East London, with a chapel and established cemetery grounds.
Explore Honor OakSomething different
A funeral ceremony can also take place in a church, natural burial ground or an alternative venue such as a hall, gallery or other suitable space.
Explore funeral venues
Practical questions
After a death at University Hospital Lewisham
You are welcome to call us with a question even if you have not decided whether you would like Poetic Endings to arrange the funeral.
What happens when someone dies at Lewisham Hospital?
The hospital begins the bereavement and medical certification process. The Medical Examiner reviews the proposed cause of death, unless the death needs to be investigated by the coroner. Once the paperwork is complete, the death can be registered and the person can be released to the chosen funeral director.
How do I contact the Bereavement Office at University Hospital Lewisham?
University Hospital Lewisham's published bereavement information lists 020 8333 3431. If you cannot get through, call the hospital switchboard on 020 8333 3000 and ask for the Bereavement Office.
How do I contact the Medical Examiner at Lewisham Hospital?
NHS England lists the University Hospital Lewisham Medical Examiner Office on 020 3192 6045. The office covers deaths at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
Where do I register a death after someone dies at Lewisham Hospital?
The death is normally registered with Lewisham Register Office. Lewisham Council says you should wait until you have been told that the Medical Examiner has sent the paperwork to the registrars before booking the appointment.
Do I need to wait until the death is registered before speaking to a funeral director?
No. You can contact funeral directors and begin talking about the arrangements before the registration appointment. The person who has died will remain at the hospital until the necessary release arrangements are complete.
Can I visit the person who has died at University Hospital Lewisham?
The hospital's bereavement information says viewings can be arranged through the Bereavement Office. Contact the hospital before travelling to confirm the current appointment arrangements.
What happens if the coroner is involved?
Lewisham is covered by the Inner South London Coroner. If the death is referred to the coroner, the registration and release process may take a different route. You can still speak to a funeral director while the coroner's work is taking place.
Can Poetic Endings collect someone from Lewisham Hospital?
Yes. Once University Hospital Lewisham is able to release the person who has died, we can liaise with the hospital and arrange to bring them into our care at our Forest Hill funeral home.
Poetic Endings · Forest Hill
Would you like to talk to us?
If someone has died at University Hospital Lewisham, you can call with a practical question, ask us to arrange the transfer into our care, or start talking about the funeral. You do not need to have everything decided first.
Hospital information checked 31 October 2026 against Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, NHS England, South East London ICS and Lewisham Council guidance. Poetic Endings is independent of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The current Trust website does not publish every bereavement or mortuary direct number, so please use the hospital switchboard if a direct line does not connect.