When someone dies at Home

When someone dies at home, how you deal with it depends on how it happens and if it was expected or not.

Death was expected

Daytime death:

If there is a death during the day and it was expected you would need to contact the GP or NHS Direct by calling 111, this soon be done at the earliest possible opportunity.

Night time death:

If there is a death during the night and it was expected you need to contact NHS Direct on 111 and the GP the following morning.

If the person that dies is not the next of kin or a close relative, you should contact the relevant person(s) immediately.

A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and you will be able to register the death.  You can also contact a Funeral Director to take over care.

Death was unexpected

If there is a death and it was unexpected you should call the Police and Ambulance immediately using the 999 service.

You should leave the area as you find it and the Police will manage the process including dealing with the Funeral Director and Coroner (Procurator Fiscal in Scotland).  

The process from this point will depend on the circumstances and you will be informed of the process and when the Funeral can be organised.