1. Transfer of the Deceased
We contact the hospital or relevant organisation and arrange for your loved one to be transferred to a mortuary for care.
On Sum Funeral Services
What Should I Do When Someone Passes Away?
We Will Make the Arrangements
A death may occur in a hospital, aged care home, at home, overseas or elsewhere.
Call On Sum and we will assist according to the circumstances. We can arrange transfer of the deceased to professional care and make a suitable time to discuss the funeral arrangements.
On Sum Funeral Services provides professional and thoughtful telephone support 24 hours a day, throughout the year.
From Passing to Farewell
2. Funeral Planning
We plan a personalised service for the deceased and the family, including the date, venue, ceremony, cremation or burial, and all ceremonial details.
3. Family and Friends Attend the Funeral
We manage the funeral from beginning to end on the day, helping family and friends give their loved one a warm and dignified farewell.
Depending on Where the Person Passed Away
The first step depends on where your loved one passed away. We explain what is required by the hospital, doctor or relevant organisation, then arrange the transfer and funeral planning.
Hospital or Aged Care
Hospital or aged care staff will usually assist with the initial procedure. Call On Sum and we will arrange the transfer according to the facility's requirements.
A Passing at Home
A family doctor, locum doctor or relevant medical service will generally need to confirm the death before On Sum can arrange the transfer.
The Coroner Process
If the death was sudden, unexplained or requires further examination, the funeral arrangements must follow the coroner's process and release of documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
The information below covers common circumstances when someone passes away. Legal, medical and institutional procedures vary according to the situation.
What Should I Do First?
Call On Sum and tell us the deceased's current location and the family contact details. We will contact the hospital, doctor or relevant organisation, arrange the transfer, and then make a time to discuss the funeral.
What Should I Do If Someone Passes Away at Home?
A family doctor, locum doctor or relevant medical service will usually need to confirm the passing first. Call On Sum afterwards and we will arrange transfer to mortuary care. If the passing was sudden or unexplained, follow the emergency instructions given by the relevant authority.
What Happens When Someone Passes Away in Hospital or Aged Care?
Hospital or aged care staff will usually help with the initial procedures. Call On Sum and tell us where your loved one is. If there is no mortuary at the facility or a transfer is required, we will arrange it according to the facility's requirements.
Can I Nominate On Sum in Advance?
Yes. The family may nominate On Sum Funeral Services to the hospital or aged care home so the facility can contact us when needed. Arrangements remain subject to the documents and facility requirements at the time.
What If There Is an Organ Donation Wish?
Tell the hospital or medical staff as soon as possible if the deceased wished to donate organs. We can assist with funeral arrangements after the medical procedure is confirmed.
Must the Funeral Be Decided Immediately?
Transfer, documentation and mortuary care are usually arranged first. The date, venue, cremation or burial, religious ceremony and funeral products can then be discussed with our team.
What Should I Do If Someone Passes Away Overseas?
Call On Sum and tell us the country or region where your loved one is. We will explain the next steps for repatriation overseas or to Australia, including the documents, flights and destination requirements.
Call Us Directly
We will arrange the transfer of the deceased, plan the funeral and manage the proceedings on the day.
