Mr Hazzard has contacted the family of Elizabeth O’Kane whose death was verified in the back of a panel van in a public car park at Rutherford last November.

His contact follows representations on behalf of Mrs O’Kane’s family by Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison who expressed her disgust and concerns about the way deaths can be certified throughout the State.

Mrs O’Kane, 71, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her wish was to die at her daughter Anna Krausert’s Rutherford home – her death to be verified there. That did not happen.

Instead two undertakers and passers by, looked on as a doctor listened for a heartbeat from Mrs O’Kane, whose corpse lay in a body bag in the back of a panel van, parked in a public street at Rutherford Shopping Centre.

In a letter to Mrs Aitchison, Mr Hazzard said he understood he family’s angst. He said the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, has written to all local health districts to remind staff of the importance of supporting families to have well considered plans in place for completion of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death where a home death is expected.

“Mr Hazzard said medical practitioners have up to 48 hours to sign these certificates. “If there is a delay in completing the certificate and a person’s body needs to be transported by a funeral director, verification of death is required. This can be undertaken by an experienced medical practitioner, registered nurse, midwife or paramedic.”

Mrs Aitchison said she would continue to work on the issue to improve the processes for everyone who loses a loved one.

Mrs O’Kane’s grandson Josef Krausert O’Connor who raised the death verification issue with Mrs Aitchison said his grandmother’s death has not been in vain.

“I will follow up with the relevant agents and take further action to ensure the right support and services are available for families whose loved ones choose to pass away peacefully at home,” he said. “While there is a clear acknowledgement of who can issue a verification of death, I will ensure this will be communicated inherently throughout NSW so there is no confusion.”