Laying Out Of Body
At home
The body should be laid out as soon as possible after the death. Laying out is done by washing the body, stopping the natural orifices with cotton wool and cloth, and dressing the deceased. The head can be supported by a pillow, eyelids closed, the jaw supported and the arms and feet straightened. The deceased's general appearance can be tided, for example: false teeth put in place, hair brushed or face shaved.
You can ask a funeral director to come to take the body away, or to lay it out at home. They can charge for this service. The room in which the body is being kept should be cool and airy.
In a hospital
The hospital will usually carry out the laying out of the body and then take it to the mortuary. You have a common law right as executor or administrator to be given care of the deceased. You will need to telephone (usually the Patient Affairs or Bereavement Office) to arrange a suitable time to attend the mortuary.
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