A guided process during this difficult time
When someone dies it can be overwhelming with the many things that are needed to be done. This page covers the main things you should know and will direct you to everything you need to keep the process as simple a stress-free as you can.
Our team have created a simple Guided Process that will guide you through the key steps with the help and support you need.
Depending on where someone dies will depend on how you should manage the process but the generals steps are the same. The details below will explain the steps you need to do as soon as possible.
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.
When someone dies in Hospital, the staff have a way to deal with the process and will keep you informed and help you with the procedures and next steps.
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
A medical certificate will be issued depending on whether the cause of death is know. A post-mortem examination may be may need to be carried out, with permission.
If there is a question over the cause of death the coroner or procurator fiscal may order a post mortem examination or inquest to determine the cause. After this has happened they can then issue the documents allowing the death to be registered.
Who is responsible for my loved one?
Hospital's will keep deceased loved ones in the hospital mortuary until collection from a Funeral Director. They will deal with the Hospital as part of the process.
Personal possessions
Any possessions that are with your loved one will be kept safe by hospital staff until the person responsible for the estate arranges to have them collected.
Organ donation
If someone is an organ donor, the hospital can verify this if required. The hospital will arrange for the organ donation . The process will begin including consent.
When someone dies in a Care Home, the staff have a way to deal with the process and will keep you informed and help you with the procedures and next steps.
Death occurs
If a death occurs with you not present you will be contacted as soon as possible.
Expected death
The death will be verified by a Medical practitioner and the GP will be notified. The staff will usually do this for you and the doctor will issue the Medical Certificate so you can register the death.
Unexpected death
If a death is unexpected or suspicious, the coroner (or procurator fiscal in Scotland) will be contacted. A post-mortem exam or inquest may be required. Once the cause of death is found the relevant documents can be supplied so that the death can be registered.
Care staff can help you to notify the Funeral Director so that your loved one can be collected and looked after.
Who is responsible for my loved one?
The care home will ensure your loved one is looked after until the Funeral Director can take responsibility. They will usually allow them to rest in a private or separate area.
Personal possessions
Any possessions that are with your loved one will be kept safe by care staff until the person responsible for the estate arranges to have them collected.
Organ donation
If someone is an organ donor, the hospital can verify this if required. The hospital will arrange for the organ donation . The process will begin including consent.
If someone dies abroad it can seem more challenging and distressing if this happens.
If you are abroad together
If you are travelling and a loved one passes away then you need to:
You can contact family at home and they can let the local police know and assist in connecting you with the British Embassy.
If your loved one is abroad and next of kin is not
If a loved one dies abroad and you are the next of kin, the British Embassy or Consulate will contact the next of kin.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will manage the process and keep you updated with what is happening and organising arrangements.
Registering a death (abroad)
A death in another country means that the death needs to be registered where they pass. The British Embassy can guide you on the process for that country. You will also need to register the death with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK.
If you were on a ship or plane you must register the death in the country is registered to. The British Embassy can help with this information.
Bringing your loved one home
1.Obtain an English translation or version of the Death Certificate
2. Obtain permission to bring the body back to the UK - this can be dealt with by the Coroner in the Country of passing.
3. Inform a coroner in the UK if a investigation needs to be conducted.
Once returning to the UK you must take the Death Certificate to be registered and organise the Funeral.
Bringing cremated remains home from overseas
In order to bring ashes back to the UK you will need a Death Certificate and Certificate of Cremation. You may need to check the process of the Country as it may change from Country to Country.
Reasons for reporting include sudden and unexplained death, unknown cause of death, no medical certificate available, or the doctor who signed the certificate didn't see the deceased within 14 days before or after their death.
Step 1 of the Coroner's Process:
The coroner determines if a post-mortem examination is needed to establish the cause of death.
If the cause of death is clear and no post-mortem is required, a medical certificate is issued, allowing the funeral to take place.
If a post-mortem is needed, it will be conducted either in a hospital or mortuary.
Step 2 of the Coroner's Process:
After the post-mortem examination, the coroner decides whether to hold an inquest.
An inquest is held if the cause of death is still unknown, if the death may have been violent or unnatural, or if it occurred while the person was in prison or police custody.
Step 3 of the Coroner's Process:
If an inquest is necessary, it will be opened soon after the death.
Witnesses are selected to give evidence, and certain relatives and representatives can question them.
The death cannot be registered until after the inquest, but an interim death certificate can be provided for practical purposes.
Conclusion of the inquest:
The coroner reaches a conclusion regarding how, when, and where the death occurred.
A legal statement is prepared, confirming the details of the investigation.
Funeral arrangements:
If no further investigations are needed, the funeral can take place once the medical certificate is issued.
If there are delays due to post-mortem or inquest proceedings, the funeral will be scheduled after these processes are completed.
Once the death has been confirmed there are a variety of steps that need to be taken. There can be more or less depending on the person so you need to ensure that you have the right information to hand and then you can start the process.
Follow our guided process for the next steps. The process is built to hold your hand for every step of the process so you can ensure that you have covered everything required. At Funeral Directions we want it to be as easy as possible.
