What to do when someone dies

The event of a death often leaves relatives or friends unsure as to what to do next. On this page we will provide some guidance on the practical steps required from medical and legal standpoints. Procedures vary in different parts of the UK.
Hospital

If your loved one died in hospital, the hospital staff will issue you with a Medical Certificate of Death. You will need to collect this together with any of the deceased’s personal belongings. Additional documentation may be required from the hospital if a cremation is planned, this will be collected by your funeral director.

Home, or residential or nursing home

When someone dies in their own home or in a residential or care home, the deceased’s doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of Death. You may be asked to collect this certificate from the surgery. In the event of a death occurring in a residential or nursing home, staff will liaise with you and the doctor to ensure that the necessary document is issued.

Unexpected death

If someone dies unexpectedly, the involvement of the Coroner (in England and Wales) or the Procurator Fiscal (in Scotland) is normally required. Please contact one of our funeral homes and a member of our experienced staff will guide you through the Coroner’s procedure.


Documents and information required by organisations following death

Below is a list of documents and information required in the first 5 days

Documents
  • Medical Certificate of Death – signed by a doctor
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificates
  • NHS Medical Card or NHS Number Information
  • The full name of the deceased
  • A list of previously used names, including maiden surname
  • Date and place of death – town and county if UK-born, name of country if born abroad
  • The deceased’s last known address
  • The deceased’s occupation
  • Date of deceased’s marriage or civil partnership if no certificate available
  • Surviving spouse or civil partner’s full name, occupation and date of birth Information about any state pension or benefits the deceased was in receipt of at death
     
Other information
  • Organ donor card
     

Our professional and dedicated staff are available to give guidance regarding relevant documents required and organisations that are involved following the death of a loved one.

 

Further information on registering a death.