What to do When A Death Occurs
Having to make funeral arrangements whilst in the turmoil of losing a loved one can be highly stressful. Using the knowledge gained from decades of caring for families, we’ve written a guide to show the steps to follow, in different circumstances, when you are faced with the death of a loved one.
If the death occurs at Home or in a Nursing or Care Home
- You or the medical staff should contact the GP connected with the care facility
- Request the GP visits and issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Contact Us, night or day to arrange to bring your loved one into our care
The GP will issue a formal notice that informs you of the procedures to follow when registering a death.
If the death occurs in a Hospital
It will normally be the role of The Hospital Bereavement Team to assist you and they will:Â
- Be in touch with the next of kin
- Arrange for the collection of any personal effects
- Arrange for the issue of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Care for your loved one until you have contacted us
- Facilitate the bringing of your loved one into our care
In addition, the hospital staff from the Bereavement Team will inform you of the procedure for registering the death.Â
When the death is unexpected or takes place at home
If a death occurs suddenly outside of a medical setting or the deceased has not been seen by a medical professional in approximately the last fourteen days:
- Dial 999 and request an ambulance and police immediately
- The Emergency Services will arrange for the deceased to be taken to a mortuary
- The death will be reported to a Coroner
- The Coroner may call for a post-mortem or an inquest and will keep you informed at each stage of the process.
- Only once the Coroner has completed their investigations, you can contact us to begin the funeral arrangements.
While the Coroner completes their investigations, you are welcome to contact us for any further help and assistance regarding any of our funeral packages and prices
