Enquiries: 01305 251150

Mortuary and Bereavement Services

Updated 11 February 2025

The Mortuary and Bereavement Offices are located via North Wing Level 1 (N1). Opening hours are 8am until 4pm Monday to Friday. The office is closed at the weekends and during public holidays. An out-of-hours service is available at weekends for exceptional circumstances and is accessible via switchboard.

The Bereavement Office will ensure all necessary legal documentation required when a death occurs within the hospital is completed. As part of the completion of this documentation next of kins are contacted by a Medical Examiner. These Medical Examiners will discuss with treating doctors ensure the Cause of Death on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is accurate. They then contact the next of kin to discuss the Cause of Death and to answer any questions regarding this.

The Bereavement Office will offer information regarding death registration and funeral arrangements. Some practical information to help next of kins through challenging times can be accessed from the link below. 

Should you find you have additional questions or concerns please contact the Bereavement Office, they will signpost you to additional support if required.

Further information and support for those who have experienced a loss is available below:

Staff and telephone numbers

Mortuary: 01305 255250

Bereavement Office: 01305 255125

Medical Examiner Office: 01305 255251

Mortuary Manager and HTA

Designated Individual

Jude Whitehead
judith.whitehead@dchft.nhs.uk

Ext: 4066

Anatomical Pathology Technologist

Rachel Caswell
Rachel.caswell@dchft.nhs.uk

Ext: 5250

Mortuary and Bereavement Assistants

Claire Saxton
claire.saxton@dchft.nhs.uk

Charlotte Aston
charlotte.aston@dchft.nhs.uk

Ext: 5250

Ext: 5012/5125

Medical Examiner Officers

Fern Boniwell (Lead)
fern.boniwell@dchft.nhs.uk

Alex Starkie
alex.starkie@dchft.nhs.uk

Ailsa Saw
ailsa.saw@dchft.nhs.uk

Ext: 5251

Ext: 5862

Ext: 3361

Medical Examiners

Generic ME Inbox
medicalexaminers@dchft.nhs.uk 

Ext: 5251

Mortuary direct line
Bereavement Office direct line