What you need to know in times of bereavement
I have put together a simple, straightforward guide as to what to do after death has occurred but if you are unclear about any of the following information please call me on 0121 227 2562 – I am here to help you.
What do I need to do straight away?
1. If the death occurs at home or in the community:
As soon as possible you must arrange for the death to be verified. This can be done by a doctor, a nurse (who has been trained to do so) or a paramedic. Once the death has been verified we can then arrange to bring your loved one into our care. The Doctor will complete the medical cause of death (MCCD) which is sent to the Medical Examiner who will call you to discuss the death. This will then enable you to register the death and obtain the death certificate.
2. If someone dies at home unexpectedly:
Call the emergency services on 999 or dial 111 and ask for advice.
3. When death occurs in hospital:
The hospital doctor will issue the Medical Cause of Death (MCCD) and not your family doctor.
4. When the coroner is informed:
In cases where the death has been reported to the coroner, the procedure is somewhat different. The coroner and his officers are working in your interest. When a doctor cannot give a cause of death and issue a medical certificate of cause of death, the death must be reported to the coroner who will establish the cause of death. The coroner will then send the relevant document to the registrar’s office in the district where the death occurred, for the death certificate to be issued.
5. Coroner Non Inquest Cases:
The coroner’s duty (and do not forget that the coroner and his offices are working for you and in your interest) is to establish the cause of death and issue a certificate allowing a funeral to take place. In this case the coroner or their officer obtains particulars of the deceased statements from relatives and to identify the body of the deceased.
When a death of this nature occurs other than in a hospital, the body will be removed to the coroner’s Mortuary. Should the cause of death be due to natural causes, the coroner’s office will inform the relatives when they can attend the registrar’s office to register the death.
Usually, the coroner’s procedure takes time, and on some occasions the funeral may have to be delayed until the coroner releases the deceased.
6. Coroner Inquest Cases:
When the coroner decides that an inquest is necessary, they may issue the appropriate interim form required for burial or cremation as appropriate. Relatives will then need to attend the registrar’s office to register the death and obtain copy certificates if required after the inquest is completed.
7. When Death occurs abroad:
Anyone who passes away overseas will have their death referred to the coroner for them to issue the required paperwork for the funeral to take place.
How to Register a Death:
Who can Register
- Close relative of deceased
- Relative in attendance during last illness
- A relative living in the district where death occurred
- A person present at death
- The person causing the disposal
Documents Required
- Medical cause of Death Certificate
- Medical Card if available or
- Birth Certificate and information regarding date of birth
Information required to Register
- Date and place of death
- Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation and home address
- If married, full name and occupation of surviving spouse
Certificates
Certificate for burial or cremation to be given to the Funeral Director
Certificate to be forwarded to the benefits agency
Copies of entry in register (death certificate) for bank, insurance, solicitors
