Mortuary information for families
The County Mortuary has been designed with privacy in mind, with quiet spaces where families can:
- spend time with their loved one
- ask questions
- speak to staff who will be able to signpost to relevant support services
Our role is to care for your loved one and to support you, working closely with hospitals, the Coroner’s Service and funeral directors.
What happens now
What happens next depends on the circumstances of your loved one’s death.
If your loved one has died at either Northampton General Hospital or Kettering General Hospital, the Medical Examiner’s Office will contact you to discuss the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and the next steps.
If a referral is required for HM Coroner a post-mortem or coronial investigation may be needed. A Coroner’s Officer will contact you directly and explain what this means and what will happen next.
If no further investigation is required, your loved one can usually be released into the care of your chosen funeral director once the necessary checks are complete.
You will be guided by either the Medical Examiner’s Office or Coroner’s Officer on when you will be in the position to undertake formal Death Registration.
The death will usually need to be registered in the council area it occurred in. This will be either West Northamptonshire or North Northamptonshire.
If there is anything you are unsure about, you can ask questions at any stage.
You do not need to make all decisions immediately. Support will be available to guide you.
Spending time with your loved one
Some families wish to spend time with their loved one sooner to say goodbye. Others prefer to wait until their loved one is with their chosen funeral director. There is no right or wrong choice, only what feels right for you.
Visiting the County Mortuary
Find out more about visiting the County Mortuary.
Visiting through your funeral director
You may prefer to visit your loved one once they are in the care of your chosen funeral director. If so, your funeral director will support you and guide you through the arrangements.
Religious, cultural and personal care
We understand how important faith, belief, and cultural traditions can be at this time.
The County Mortuary has dedicated cultural washing facilities.
Please speak to mortuary staff or your funeral director, who can help make the necessary arrangements. All care is provided with respect and in line with health, safety and legal requirements.
If you have specific needs or concerns, please let us know. We will do our best to support you.
Our commitment to you
Everyone working at the Northamptonshire County Mortuary understands the responsibility of caring for someone who matters deeply to you.
We are committed to:
- treating your loved one with dignity and respect
- supporting you with kindness and patience
- explaining processes clearly and honestly
- giving you time and space when you need it
If something is unclear, or if you need to ask the same question more than once, that is okay. We are here to help.
Last updated 17 April 2026