The days following the loss of a loved one can go by in a blur, with the event being amongst the most difficult you'll face in your lifetime.
The following is some practical, considered advice to aid you in dealing with the events following your loss.
What To Do When A Death Occurs
If death occurs at home
You will need to contact their GP surgery or call 111 for the out of hours doctors. The attending doctor will verify the death. Once the death has been verified, you can contact us as your chosen funeral directors. The GP will contact the Medical Examiner who will contact you to discuss the cause of death. They will email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registrars within the following days. Once the registrar is in receipt of this certificate they will contact you to make an appointment to register the death. The death must be registered within the jurisdiction of where the death occurred.
If death occurs at Hospital
The bereavement office will arrange for the Medical Examiner to contact you to discuss the cause of death. The Medical Examiner will email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registrars within the following days. Once the registrar is in receipt of this certificate they will contact you to make an appointment to register the death. The death must be registered within the jurisdiction of where the death occurred.
If death occurs at a Nursing/Care Home
The Nursing Staff will inform a doctor who will attend the nursing home to verify the death. Either you or a staff member will then contact us as your nominated Funeral Directors. You will need to contact the GP Surgery who will contact the Medical Examiner who will contact you to discuss the cause of death. They will then email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registry office in the following days. Once the registrar is in receipt of this certificate they will contact you to make an appointment to register the death. The death must be registered within the jurisdiction of where the death occurred.
Help towards the cost of a funeral
You may be entitled to help from the Department of Work and Pensions towards the cost of the funeral, view the Bereavement Benefits for more information.
What Should I Do If the Coroner Becomes Involved?
If the deceased hasn't seen their usual doctor for over 14 days, the death may be reported to the coroner. A death may also be referred to the coroner if there are any suspicious circumstances. There are a number of different options The Coroner may take and they will liaise with and support you throughout their investigation. Depending on their action the procedure of Registration and Documentation is somewhat different. The GP Doctor will not need to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, instead the Coroner will inform you where and when to register the death and they will send any information to the registrars in advance. You can still contact us whilst any investigation is taking place, we can help advise and assist you and go through any questions you may have or Funeral Arrangements you wish to make.
Registration of a Death
Registration of Death
You will need to provide:
- The Death Certificate
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation (or former occupation if retired)
If the deceased is a married woman, you will also need:
- Maiden name
- Husband’s full name and occupation
You will be issued with:
- A white certificate (for the Department of Social Security)
- A green certificate (for FP Gaunts & Sons)
Registration Process
ONCE YOU HAVE OBTAINED THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OF CAUSE OF DEATH, THE DEATH WILL NEED TO BE REGISTERED. ALL DEATHS MUST BE REGISTERED AT THE REGISTRY OFFICE WITHIN THE JURISTRICTION OF WHERE THE DEATH HAS OCCURRED. MOST REGISTRY OFFICES WORK ON AN APPOINTMENT BASIS ONLY SO YOU WILL NEED TO CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT.
Who Can Register A Death?
• A close relative of the deceased
• A relative in attendance during the last illness
• A relative in the district where the death occurred
• A person who was present at the time of death
• The person arranging the funeral
Information Required By Registrar
• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
• Full name of deceased including any aliases and maiden names
• The deceased’s date and place of birth
• Birth certificate, if possible
• The usual residence of the deceased
• Their occupation, and their husband’s occupation (if applicable)
• The date and place of death
Certificates Issued By The Registrar
The Registrars Certificate for Cremation or Burial (a green certificate that we need at the funeral home) The Death Certificate – This is a copy of the entry into the register. We advise you obtain sufficient copies of the death certificate for insurance companies, banks etc. There is a small fee to be paid for additional copies.
My Local Registry Office
by appointment only
Do You Need Someone to Talk to?
We're always available to talk and offer advice, but if you need to talk to someone about your grief sometimes a councillor is the best choice. We offer up to 6 free sessions of support with our dedicated SAIF Care team. Please speak to your Funeral Director for more information or to find a councillor in your area you can search for one on Counselling Directory.
SAIF Care is the UK-wide bereavement service offered by independent funeral directors who are members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
If you're looking for bereavement support or more information please do take a look at the SIF Care website https://saifcare.org.uk/ or contact us directly.
