What to do when someone dies

If you are wondering what to do when someone dies, call us at any time on 01535 690 979 and we will guide you through each step. At a time when you need practical support and guidance, we are here.

Tell Us Once is a useful tool to report a death to most government organisations in one go.

Please click the link below.

Tell us once

Not sure what to do? Call us, any time of day or night.

We will guide you through each step, calmly and without pressure.

Call 01535 690 979

What to do first

Choose the situation that applies. Whichever it is, once the person can be moved, call us and we will take it from there.

If the death happens at home

During working hours, contact the doctor’s surgery to tell them that the death has occurred. Depending on the time of day, the surgery should arrange for a doctor or suitably qualified person (for example a registered nurse, hospice nurse or paramedic) to attend and formally confirm that life is extinct.

If the death happens out of hours, follow the pre-recorded instructions given by the surgery.

Once permission has been given for the person to be moved, call us on 01535 690 979, our 24-hour service. We will arrange for members of our team to attend and bring them into our care at the earliest opportunity.

If the death happens in a nursing home or hospice

A GP or qualified nurse on duty can verify that death has occurred, although not all care and nursing homes have suitably qualified staff on duty. Most nursing homes record the resident’s wishes on their care plan, including the chosen funeral director and whether they are to be cremated or buried.

With the family’s and the doctor’s permission, we can bring them into our care.

If the death happens in hospital

The doctors and nurses will liaise with the Hospital Bereavement Office, who arrange the paperwork. Please tell the Bereavement Team that you have appointed us as your funeral director.

The hospital doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death so that the death can be registered. Once the formalities are complete, the hospital will tell us when it is appropriate to bring them from the mortuary into our care.

If the death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained

Please dial 999 and ask for an ambulance and the police, explaining the circumstances.

HM Coroner will become involved and may order a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death. The Coroner’s officer will keep you informed and will also liaise with us as your funeral director.

The registration process is different when the Coroner is involved, and you may not be able to register the death straight away, so it is best to talk to one of our team, who will explain what to expect.

What happens next

From your first call to the day of the funeral and beyond, our family is here to support yours.

We bring your loved one into our careOnce permission is given, we bring them into our care with dignity and respect.
The death is registeredWe guide you through what happens next and explain what is needed before the funeral can take place.
We meet to arrange the funeralWhen you feel ready, we meet at our funeral home or in the comfort of your own home to talk through your wishes.
We take care of the arrangementsWe make all the arrangements and keep you informed throughout.

Our Journey of Care. From the moment your loved one is entrusted to us until the day of the funeral, we record each stage of their journey, including who cared for them, what took place and when, along with regular checks. If you would like a copy of the record, just ask a member of our team.

Registering the death

Registration must be booked by appointment. Unless the death has been referred to the Coroner, it should take place within 5 working days.

If the death was expected

The doctor responsible for their care will usually complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). A Medical Examiner will then independently review the cause of death and may contact the next of kin to explain it or answer any questions.

The MCCD is sent electronically to the Registry Office, so you do not need to collect it. You will be told when you can make your appointment.

If the death was unexpected (HM Coroner)

If the death was sudden, unnatural or the cause cannot be confirmed, it may be referred to the Coroner, who may request more information, medical records or a post-mortem. An inquest may sometimes be needed.

You may not be able to register straight away. The Coroner’s office will explain what happens next and issue the paperwork when they can.

Helpful to have with you

Full name of the person who has died, including any previous or maiden name
Date and place of death
Date and place of birth
Usual home address and occupation
Whether they received a pension or allowance from public funds
Details of their spouse or civil partner, including their date of birth
NHS number, if known

What you will receive

The Registrar will email the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the “Green Form”) directly to us. It is the legal paperwork we give to the crematorium, church or cemetery before the funeral can take place.

You can also buy copies of the Death Certificate. You will need them for pensions, bank accounts, investments, life insurance and settling an estate.

Book your appointment

Phone registration is no longer available, so please book with the district where the death occurred.

Arranging the funeral together

You do not need to have everything decided before we meet. We will talk you through each choice at a pace that feels right for you.

It can help to think about

Burial or cremation
A religious or non-religious service
Preferred date, time and place
Who will be involved in the arrangements
Any wishes your loved one expressed

When we meet

We meet by appointment, at our funeral home or in the comfort of your own home, usually for around an hour, with you alone or with a small group of family.

Every funeral is different. Our role is to make sure it feels right for you, your family and the person you are remembering.

Making it personal

Music
Eulogy and memories
Dress code and colour
Readings and poems
Donations and charity
Celebrant or minister
Flowers
Professional live stream

How soon can the funeral take place? In most cases, allow 10 to 15 working days to make the arrangements and let family and friends know. We would advise not to rush. At certain times of the year, cremations in particular can take longer, but we will always work to your timescales.