When the unfortunate event of a death occurs, there are a number of tasks, which must be completed in order for the legal responsibilities to be fulfilled and also to enable the funeral arrangements to take place. All of which are difficult to comprehend at a time where grief affects the emotions and actions of an individual, family relatives or friends, this is when the experience and knowledge of professionals is vital and the role of the funeral director becomes essential.
Below we have provided a guide of what needs to be done when a death occurs according to where it has taken place.
At Home If the death has occurred at home immediately contact your GP or the Doctor on call to report the death to them. The Doctor will then come to your home and if he or she is able, they will issue a death certificate. If he or she is able to issue a death certificate then you are free to contact a funeral director of your choice to convey the deceased to their private chapel of rest. If the Doctor is unable to issue a death certificate they will contact the local Coroner who will make the necessary arrangements for the deceased to be taken into their care. If the death occurs within a nursing or residential home the same applies.
In Hospital If the death occurs in a hospital, the nursing staff or appropriate officer will advise you when and where to collect the death certificate.
If the death occurred in a public place or a GP or Hospital are unable to issue a death certificate, the Coroner is automatically involved and in this instance there will be no certificate of cause of death. The Coroner will advise you of the procedures involved and when you can register the death.