What to do when someone dies
Every situation around death is different, and this is just a guide to help you with each step.
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When someone dies
First you must verify the death by someone certified to do so.
Their doctor (or the last doctor to have treated them) must be notified so they can complete a Medical Death Certificate.
Make an appointment to register the death. (When you have the Medical Death Certificate). This is when you will receive the “Death Certificate” and you will need arrange a funeral.
When the death occurs at Home
When someone dies at home, and it was expected, you must notify their doctor or senior carer as soon as possible. They will need to visit the deceased so they can verify the death. When they have verified the death, you can then contact the funeral directors. Please note, most funeral directors that collect a deceased out of office hours will have an additional out of hours fee.
The deceased doctor should then organise the Medical Death Certificate so you can register the death.
If the death was not expected, you must call 111 or 999 and follow the advice given.
When a death occurs in a Nursing/ Care Home
If the person is in a nursing / care home, the staff will most likely ask for funeral instruction. And they will also know who to call to have the death verified. It would be useful to let the home know which funeral director you would like to use. And when the death has been verified, they may contact the funeral director for you on your behalf. Please note, most funeral directors that collect a deceased out of office hours will have an additional out of hours fee.
When the death occurs in a Hospice
The hospice staff will guide you and care for the deceased until the funeral director can collect. Most Hospices will take care of organising doctors and Medical Death Certificate so you can register and will contact the funeral directors when everything is complete, and the
When the death occurs Abroad
If you must deal with a death that has happen outside of the UK, and the local emergency services are looking after the deceased, you will need to contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible. They should have the necessary information to aid you. You can also contact the local British embassy that will have advisors at hand to guide you through local laws and regulations. You can contact the funeral director anytime for assistance. Please have your insurance details at hand. As well as all the information you may have, and we will help with every step and arrange the safe return of the deceased back to the UK.
What happens when the coroner is involved?
The coroner will only get involved if the deceased‘s doctor has not seen them for some time, or the cause death is not clear. Someone from the coroner office should keep you up to date on all the proceeding. It would be best if you let the funeral director know that the coroner in involved so they can liaise with them.