Laying out the 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 eyelids are closed, the jaw supported and the arms and feet are put straight. The deceased's general appearance can be tidied, for example: false teeth put in place, hair brushed or face shaved.

The room in which the body is being kept should be cool and airy.

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.

In a hospital

The hospital will usually lay out the body, and then take it to the mortuary.