WHEN SOMEONE DIES

Even when a death is anticipated, at the time it happens, it is still an emotional shock.

TAKE THE TIME YOU NEED

i) Verification of the death

After someone has died, the 1st thing that needs to happen is that the death needs to be verified by a medical professional. A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
After verification has happened, usually during the following working days a doctor who has looked after the person who has died in their life will complete some paperwork which they will send to another doctor called the Medical Examiner.
The Medical Examiner is a doctor who specialises in reviewing causes of death. The Medical Examiner may want to speak to you (please don't worry if this is the case). Once the Medical Examiner has completed their part they will let the registrar know that you can go in to register the person's death.'

IF A DEATH OCCURS IN A HOSPITAL

This is very straightforward. The doctors on duty will verify the death and complete the paperwork.

IF A DEATH OCCURS AT HOME

If the death was expected, you will likely have the contact details for the care team looking after the person who has died. You can call them, the person's GP, or 111 for support. An appropriate medical professional will come to see the person who has died to verify their death.' Please not rush or panic.

IN A CARE HOME

Care Homes will have their own doctors who will verify. If the person dies in the night, they may keep the person with them and your chosen funeral director will come in working hours. Some care homes may need to transfer the person's care to a funeral director during the night. If so, a funeral director can take the person into their care during the night.
If the cause of death is clear, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually issued quickly, but sometimes there can be delays. Please don't be alarmed if this doesn't happen straight away

ii) Call a Funeral Director
Only once the doctor has been and the death has been verified can a funeral director take the person into their care.

Take the time you need before the funeral director removes them from the home. It can be helpful to keep all windows closed and turn off any radiators in the room where the person is.
*Funeral Directors are available 24hrs. There will be charge for an out of hours collection

UNEXPECTED OR UNCLEAR CAUSE OF DEATH

In the case of a sudden death or the cause of death isn’t clear, further investigation will be required and the death will be referred to the coroner and a post-mortem examination may be required.

If the death has happened at home, outside of a medical institution the funeral director, or medical team (paramedics) may take the person who has died straight into the care of the coroner, or they might look after them at a mortuary before the coroner takes over their care

This can be a very confusing time. For your own peace of mind, ask where they will be taking them to – Which hospital or which coroners?

CORONER CASES

If a coroner is involved, this can cause delays in funeral preparation.

As frustrating as this may be, this is a process so be as kind to yourself as you can. You will have to wait until the death is verified and the certificate is issued.

Once the coroner has confirmed the cause of death, they will issue the relevant paperwork to confirm their release allowing for funeral plans to proceed.

Paperwork to include:

1. Release form
2. Cremation form 6 (cremation only)

The coroner will email these directly to your appointed funeral director who will liaise with the mortuary to bring them into their care and funeral.

This can be a very stressful period. Keep in contact with the coroner for updates and do not hesitate to speak with your funeral director if in need of further advise.