Instructions for next-of-kin or executor on the death of a potential donor

1. Report a Potential Donor’s Death to the Bequest Office

Telephone the Bequest Office on +44 (0)117 4283909 as soon as possible after death occurs. 

Please have the following information ready:

  • Evidence of donor’s consent (if provided in a will, or when the consent forms have not been returned to the Bequest Office)
  • Doctor’s name and telephone number
  • Location of the deceased
  • Contact details for the next of kin/executor

The Bequest Office is open 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, excluding bank holidays and the University closure days that may follow bank holidays. Out of hours, there is a voicemail system at the office. Relatives should leave a message with their name and telephone number so that we can return your call when the office re-opens. If you are unable to call and leave a voice message, please email anat-bequestoffice@bristol.ac.uk so the Bequest Office can return your call.

2. Ensure the deceased’s body is looked after.

  • If the death occurs in the community, such as the person’s own home, a nursing home or a hospice without mortuary facilities, the deceased should be removed to a local Chapel of Rest by an undertaker. It is important for the relatives to understand that the transport and cost of the undertaker must be borne by the donor’s estate or the next-of-kin/executor.
  • If the death occurs in a hospital (or hospice with mortuary facilities) the body will be held in the mortuary. Please inform the hospital bereavement team of the potential donor’s wish to donate their body.

3. Make an appointment with the local Registrar.

Once the medical cause of death has been issued by the doctor, next of kin or executors will need to make an appointment to register the death with the local Registrar.

The Bequest team provides support to help guide you through the process.

  • If the donation is accepted, the next of kin or executors will be asked to complete and return some paperwork to the Bequest Office. Find our what the next steps are for “if a donation is accepted”
  • If the donation is not accepted, we advise next of kin or executors to proceed with alternative funeral arrangements, such as burial or cremation.