What happens now?

This information has been provided to help with the first steps after someone has passed away. Please contact us for further assistance.

 

Help registering a death

  • On the event of a death, it must be registered in the area where it occurred, although it is possible to register the death in another area.
  • The process of registering a death involves a short interview with a Registrar in a Registrars Office. Telephone – 01609 780780

 

When is the coroner likely to be involved?

  • After an accident or injury.
  • Following an industrial disease.
  • During a surgical operation.
  • If the cause of death is unknown.
  • If the death was violent or unnatural – for example, suicide, accident or drug or alcohol overdose.
  • If the death was sudden and unexplained.
  • When the coroner’s office is involved delays may be incurred before the funeral can take place. The coroner’s office will liaise directly with the family and your chosen funeral director. You will be advised by the coroner’s office on procedure for registering the death.

 

What to do when death occurs – in the UK (Repatriation out of England or Wales)

  • Please contact us for advice.

 

What to do when death occurs – abroad (Repatriation back to the UK)

  • Please contact us for advice.

 

What to do when death occurs – in hospital

  • Nursing staff will contact the next of kin if not present at death. They will arrange for the death to be certified by a doctor.
  • The family will need to make an appointment with the bereavement office at the hospital to collect the medical certificate of cause of death.
  • Contact your chosen Funeral Director who will liaise with the hospital to arrange the necessary paper work and collection of the deceased. Transfer of the deceased can only be done once all paperwork etc. is complete with the hospital.

 

What to do when death occurs – in a nursing home

  • Nursing staff will contact the next of kin if they are not present at death.
  • They will have contacted the doctor and arranged for the death to be certified by the deceased doctor.
  • On the families instruction they will contact your appointed Funeral Director and make arrangements for the deceased to be taken to their Chapel of Rest.
  • You will need to contact the doctor’s surgery to arrange for the medical certificate of cause of death to be issued. (Usually the following day and you will need to pick up the Certificate before you can make an appointment to register the death.)
  • Your details will be passed on by the nursing home to the Funeral Director who will contact you at a time convenient for you.

 

What to do when death occurs – at home (sudden and unexpected)

  • Contact the police who will contact a doctor on your behalf. The death will be reported by the police to the coroner, who will keep you informed of proceedings at all times giving advice on registering the death etc. The coroner’s office will liaise directly with you and with your Funeral Director.
  • Advise the police of your chosen Funeral Director who they will contact to make arrangements for the deceased to be removed to their Chapel of Rest until further instruction from the coroner’s office.
  • Your details will be taken and a Funeral Director will contact you at a time convenient for you.

 

What to do when death occurs – at home (expected death)

  • Immediately contact the deceased doctor, who will need to visit the deceased at home to certify the death (if unknown contact the police).
  • The doctor will be able to advise you if they are able to issue the medical cause of death certificate. (If the deceased has not seen a GP within the last 14 days they may refer the death to the Coroner).
  • Contact your chosen Funeral Director, who will arrange for the deceased to be taken from their home to the Private Chapel of Rest.
  • Your details will be taken and a Funeral Director will contact you at a time convenient for you.