Our guide for what to do when someone dies
What to do when someone dies
What to do
If you’re reading this guide because someone is dying or has died, please except our sincere condolences.
We’re sorry that you’re going through this. We understand that this can be a distressing and uncertain time. It’s not easy dealing with a death of someone you cherish dearly. There may be lots of difficult decisions to make. But feel assured, that there is no time frame or rush to get things done or make any decisions.
There are different things you will need to do, depending where the person has died.
At Home
A GP will need to certify the death. This sometimes may be the persons registered GP or an on-call doctor. You may wish to spend time with your loved one, there is no rush. When you are ready you can call us on 01873 860675 / 07975 558250 and we will bring the person who’s died into our gentle care, providing the death has been certified.
If the death was expected the GP will issue a medical certificate with the cause of death which you will need to use to register the death within 5 days.
At a Nursing Home
A doctor will need to certify the death. This may be the registered GP or an on-call doctor.
Once the doctor has been to see the person who’s died the nursing home may require that we collect them straight away.
If the death was expected the GP will issue a medical certificate showing the cause of death, which you will need to register the death.
At Hospital or Hospice
You will liaise with the bereavement team who offer emotional and practical support. The person who’s died will usually be cared for in the mortuary at the hospital/hospice until a Funeral Director has been appointed or alternative arrangements are made. If you appoint us as your Funeral Director then we will make the necessary arrangements.
Unexpected Death
If Someone dies unexpectedly and hasn’t seen their GP in the last 14 days, their death will be reported to the coroner, who may request a post-mortem or inquest. This may take some time, so it’s a good idea to speak to us and we can speak with the coroner to make provisional arrangements for the funeral.
We will not be able to confirm a date or time until the coroner has finished their investigation.
Registering the Death
You will need to make an appointment at your local Registrar’s Office to register the death within 5 days. Due to Covid 19 this will probably take place over the phone.
You will need
– Medical Certificate of cause of death ( MCCD ) signed by the doctor. This may be electronically submitted to the registrar’s office by the doctor.
These may be useful, but not necessary
– Birth Certificate
– NHS Medical Card
– Marriage/ Civil Partnership Certificate
Sometimes it’s a good idea to get copies of the death certificate as various authorities may need it ( such as banks and life insurance )
Copies cost £11 each
