What to do when a death occurs
We know how tough it is to deal with what comes next after losing someone close to you, especially when emotions are running high. It’s okay to feel unsure about what to do. As soon as you let us know, your funeral director will be there to help you through the important steps after someone dies, offering the support and help you need during this hard time.
If the death occurs at home:
You need to call the GP or community nurse who will certify life extinct. If the death was expected then you can call your chosen Funeral Director who will arrange to take your loved one into their care. The GP will send the necessary paperwork to the registrar and you will then need to register the death. At this point you will be issued with the death certificate and a green certificate which the Funeral Director will need.
If the death occurs in a Nursing Home:
The Home will either call the duty Doctor, or, an onsite state registered nurse who will verify life extinct. If the death was expected, they will call your nominated Funeral Director to take your loved one into their care. The GP will send the necessary paperwork to the registrar and you will then need to register the death. At this point you will be issued with the death certificate and a green certificate which the Funeral Director will need.
If the death occurred in Hospital:
The Doctor or state registered nurse will certify life extinct. Your loved one will be moved to the hospital mortuary facilities and you will be contacted by the bereavement office. The hospital will advise you on their procedure regarding releasing your loved one to your chosen Funeral Director. The GP will send the necessary paperwork to the registrar and you will then need to register the death. At this point you will be issued with the death certificate and a green certificate which the Funeral Director will need.
If the death is unexpected and the coroner becomes involved:
The coroner will instruct their team to bring your loved one into their care whilst they carry out further investigations. This could include a post mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. If the verdict is deemed to be of natural causes the coroner will send the necessary paperwork to the registrar and you will then need to register the death. At this point you will be issued with a death certificate.
If the death is deemed to be due to violent or unnatural causes:
The coroner will order an investigation to establish if an inquest is required. If so the coroner will open and adjourn the case whilst they determine the cause of death. This will delay the registration of the death but the coroner will issue an interim death certificate. Once the inquest has been finalised the coroner will send the necessary paperwork to the registrar and you will the need to register the death. At this point you will be issued with the death certificate.
If an inquest is not required then the coroner will send the necessary paperwork to the registar and you will then need to register the death. At this point you will be issued with the death certificate.
Need help or advice?
We know that losing a loved one is a difficult and overwhelming time. Remember, if there is anything that you are unsure of, you can call or email us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with any questions you have.
01892 770253