The death of a family member whether sudden or expected can be difficult to deal with and upsetting for obvious reasons.
Please find guidance below on what to do depending on the circumstances. If you have questions or find this overwhelming please call us for advice.
When someone dies at home
If the death was expected then call the doctor (the GP) of the person who has died. They will send a doctor to confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Death. If the surgery is closed they will still visit but you will normally get the certificate the next day.
Yo=u do not have to wait for the certificate to be issued before you call your funeral director, as long as the death has been verified by a professional we are available 24/7.
If the death was unexpected or the person has not seen their GP for 28 days
Call an ambulance on 999
The ambulance operator will advise you on what to do. If the cause of death is uncertain then the body will be taken to the coroners so that a post-mortem can be completed. This is an investigation into the death. Once complete the Coroner will issue the medical certificate of death.
What to do if someone dies in hospital
The hospital will provide the medical certificate and look after the body until you instruct a funeral director to collect them
In all cases register the death
By law you must register the death within 5 days. See list of register offices or consult the government website.
Our brochure also has a handy guide and checklist, it can be found at https://www.calameo.com/read/006252455ee2d035f64a7 or contact us for a physical copy