What To Do When Someone Dies
Below you will find a simple guide on what to do when someone passes away.
When you are ready to get in touch with us, we are available 24 hours a day and can give you step-by-step guidance on the process going forward.
When a death occurs at home and is expected
If your loved one dies at home and the death is expected, then you should call their GP or the emergency services. Their GP will be able to certify the death and provide a death certificate. You can then contact our team to arrange for your loved one to be taken into our care.
When a death occurs in hospital and is expected
If your loved one passes away in hospital and the death was expected, then you will be issued with the cause of death and death certificate. Yourselves, or the hospital, can contact us on your behalf to arrange transportation into our care.
When a death was unexpected
If someone passes away unexpectedly or suddenly, the process will be slightly different. You will need to contact the emergency services immediately. The Coroner will need to be informed in order to investigate the cause of death. If the cause of death is not identified in the initial examination, an inquest may be required – this can take a little longer.
Registering The Death
We can give you all the help and guidance needed in order to successfully register the death.
After someone passes away the Medical Examiner will check the cause of death, this will be a senior Doctor, who will not have been involved in the care of the person who has died.
The Medical Examiner will contact you to confirm you can register the death,
In the UK, you must register a death within 5 days, unless the Coroner is involved. Registration should be completed by a close relative or a relative within the district that the death took place. Should no relative be contactable, the person organising the funeral may register the passing.
The information you will require for registration includes:
- Date and place of death.
- Full name of the deceased.
- Date and place of birth and certificate.
- Occupation.
- Home address.
- Details of surviving spouse or relatives.
- A death certificate (and medical cards if applicable).
- Details about the death.
