Different religions with different needs

The equipment and techniques in mortuary have to move with the times, and so does the response to families’ needs. Lam states that every religion is unique. Although the mortuary staff does not take part in the ritual, they do their best to assist. For example, Christian and Catholic ceremonies usually involve a larger number of participants and take a longer time; Taoist ceremonies are less time-consuming; while an Islamic family may need to transfer the body to Mosque or Muslim Cemetery timely. Hence, mortuary staff have to notify the Patient Service Office in advance for prompt preparation of documents.

Lam indicated that some religions might have special requirements. “Once there was an eminent monk who passed away, we had to transfer his body in a sitting position using a wheelchair,” he says. Some families requested an overnight chant for which a special application for farewell service is required.

About farewell service

On compassionate ground, farewell services would be provided free-of-charge in farewell room or similar facilities (like the Hall of Eternal Peace of QEH in the photo) in some of the HA hospitals. In general, farewell services in the hospital are available only to patients who passed away in that hospital. Families may contact Death Document Office or general registries of hospitals for enquiry and/or reservation. After simple memorial rites, the body will be transported via a licensed undertaker directly to crematorium or cemetery for cremation or burial.