Anger as Funeral Arrangements delayed for Two Months for Northumberland Man Who Died Without Family
Newcastle upon Tyne – Concerns are growing after it took two months to begin arranging a funeral for Des Miller, described as a ”lovely” man from Northumberland, who died without known family. A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral costs has highlighted gaps in the process for arranging burials for individuals who die without relatives or sufficient funds.
The delay underscores a complex system involving NHS Trusts, local authorities, and the Coroner’s office. National guidance states NHS Trusts should develop policies, in conjunction with local authorities, to ensure respectful and efficient burials or cremations for hospital deaths when no family can be found. Newcastle City Council confirmed its duty to dispose of a deceased body under the National Assistance and Public Health (Control of Disease) acts 1948, if the deceased has no assets or relatives able to make arrangements.
The council’s guidance states hospitals and care homes “may also be able to help if the person dies while in thier care,” with initial contact typically made through the coroner. Obligation for funeral arrangements falls to spouses for married couples and parents for children,if next of kin are identified.
Details surrounding the specific reasons for the delay in Des’ case have not been publicly disclosed. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust has been approached for comment.
A GoFundMe campaign remains active to contribute towards Des Miller’s funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/des-miller?attribution_id=sl:81423e0d-e229-4832-9228-f2509dcb2efb&lang=en_GB&ts=1764242201&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.
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