WHAT TO DO...

What to do after a death

When the death occurs in a Hospital
A member of the hospital nursing staff will speak to you and arrange for a hospital doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Death which you will then need to take to the Registrar. Your Funeral Director will advise you of the Registrar's phone number and office hours together with the information the Registrar will need. If possible you should advise the hospital staff whether the funeral is to be cremation or burial as the documentation required by the Funeral Director varies.

When death occurs at home or Nursing Home
When the death takes place at home you must first notify the family doctor who will need to confirm that the death  has occurred. The doctor will normally issue the Medical Certificate of Death for you to take to the registrar, although this is not normally available until later that day or the following day. Once the doctor has attended you should contact your chosen Funeral Director who will guide you through the remainder of the arrangements.

Sudden unexpected death
When someone dies suddenly and/or unexpectedly it is perfectly normal for the Police to attend; they are there on behalf of the Coroner to collect information. Contact should be made with your chosen Funeral Director. This is best done as soon as you feel able. The Funeral Director will liaise with the coroner's officer on your behalf, explain the procedures and make the funeral arrangements. The Funeral Directors will be able to relieve you of much of the burden associated with making arrangements. They will do as much or as little as you want them to do, giving you advice on all matters concerning the funeral.