The hospital has declined to answer the direct claims of Canberra man Tom Griffiths who says he had to watch his wife die twice but it has released some general information.

An ACT Health spokesperson said "in most circumstances a relative can be present with a patient whilst they are dying until they are deceased. There is no time limit."

"Staff ask the family (if not already present) whether they would like to spend time with and view the deceased person," the spokesperson said.

"Family may view and spend time with the deceased person as they desire. Staff can make the necessary arrangements for this and provide access to a quiet room and/or area for the next of kin and family.

"Staff should check if there are any special circumstances, such as notification to the coroner's representative or police involvement, that may affect a families ability to wash/dress the body."

How long a family could stay with a body depended on issues such as disease control and the need for any police involvement.

It was the medical officer's responsibility to confirm and pronounce death. If a medical officer was not present when a patient died, a registered nurse could make a clinical assessment of the extinction of life and document that. Staff must then contact a medical officer to pronounce death.

"ACT Health has a policy and standard operating procedure which outlines the steps to follow after the death of a patient who is in the care of ACT Health. Staff should ensure the appropriate processes are followed for notifying the patient's next of kin, documenting appropriately and providing care for the deceased and their family," the spokesperson said.

"The next of kin is to be notified by the [medical officer] or nursing staff, and the discussion documented. If the next of kin cannot be located, staff can inform the Australian Federal Police who will then locate them. When the next of kin and/or family arrive, staff will provide support and clear communication of what has happened and what will happen next."