When Someone Dies At Home
If the death of your loved one is expected and they have passed away at home or a nursing home, their passing will need to be verified by a doctor, or a registered nurse. If the death has occurred at a nursing home, the staff will contact the doctor or registered nurse on your behalf.
When the doctor or nurse has attended to verify the death, you can then contact us, to arrange a time for us to attend the residence. We will then convey your loved one to our chapel of rest, where they will be cared for until the day of their funeral.
We will then arrange a time to contact you to discuss the next steps.
From the 9th September 2024 all non-coronial deaths in England & Wales will require independent scrutiny by a Medical Examiner prior to registration. In due course, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be completed by the Doctor, necessary for the registration to take place.
When Someone Dies In Hospital
If your loved one dies in hospital, the staff will usually advise you that the death will require independent scrutiny by a Medical Examiner prior to registration. In due course, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be completed by the Doctor, necessary for the registration to take place. This will be sent to the local registry office within the sub-district in which the death occurred. An appointment will then need to be made for you attend the registry office and complete formal registration.
Once you have carried out the registration procedures and you have obtained the registrars certificate for burial or cremation, we will then be able to make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care.
If any further investigation into the death is needed, the death may need to be referred to the coroner. This could mean that a post-mortem or an inquest may be necessary.
When Someone Dies Suddenly or Unexpectedly
If the death is sudden or unexpected, the death will need to be referred to the coroner. This referral may be made by a GP, Medical Examiner, Hospital Doctor, Registrar or the Police.
The coroner will advise the deceased’s representative if any further investigation is required, in the form of a post-mortem and possibly an inquest. This can delay funeral arrangements as the registration of death cannot take place until the coroner’s investigations have concluded.
Once the coroner is satisfied with their findings, they will issue the relevant documentation to allow your loved one’s funeral arrangements to be finalised.
