Guidance and Support for Dealing with Loss

What to Do When Someone Dies - Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and we are here to guide and support you through every step of arranging the funeral, starting from the first phone call. The steps to take can vary depending on where the person has passed.

Unexpected or Sudden Death - If the death was sudden or unexpected, you should immediately contact the emergency services by calling 999. The police or ambulance service will attend to confirm the death. If the deceased has not seen their GP in the last 14 days, the police will arrange for the coroner to take them into care for any necessary investigations. Once the coroner has reviewed the medical history with the GP, they will determine if a post-mortem examination is needed. Even if the coroner is involved, we can still begin making funeral arrangements as soon as you're ready.

Expected Death at Home - If the death was expected, contact the deceased's doctor or call 111 to report the death. A doctor will need to verify the death and issue a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD), which is necessary for registering the death. If the death occurs outside of office hours, an on-call doctor or senior nurse can provide verification. Once the doctor has confirmed the death, you can contact us, and we will take care of bringing your loved one into our care.

Death in a Hospital or Hospice - When someone passes away in a hospital or hospice, it is often expected. In such cases, the hospital or hospice will issue the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) and may even help you with the registration process.

Coroner's Involvement in a Hospital or Hospice Death - In some cases, the coroner may need to be involved in a death that occurs in a hospital or hospice, particularly if the death is due to an accident, injury, or conditions such as industrial diseases like asbestosis.