When someone dies, there are a few important first steps to take.
This includes confirming the death, contacting the right professionals, and arranging care with a funeral director.
You do not need to manage this alone. We will guide you through everything gently and clearly.
If the death is expected, such as during a terminal illness, you should contact the GP or district nursing team. They will attend to confirm the death and begin the paperwork needed to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
If it happens at night, NHS 111 can offer advice until a doctor is available.
Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact us. We will bring your loved one into our care and take them to our funeral home.
If the death is unexpected, you should call 999. Emergency services will attend and decide what happens next. This may involve the police or Coroner.
If someone dies in hospital, staff will confirm the death and support you at the time. A doctor or Medical Examiner will review the cause of death and complete the paperwork. The hospital will then let you know when we can collect your loved one.
In a care home or hospice, staff will usually confirm the death and contact the GP or on-call doctor. They will also support you and help with the next steps.
Hospices often provide additional family support during this time.
A doctor or Medical Examiner completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
The death must then be registered with the Register Office. This is usually done within five days once paperwork is ready, unless the Coroner is involved.
It is best to register in the district where the death took place. If this is not possible, you can make a “declaration” at any register office in England or Wales. The details are then sent to the correct office. This may take longer.
Once registration is complete, the registrar issues the “green form” electronically. This allows the funeral to proceed.
You can also order death certificates for legal and financial matters. Most families request one or two copies.
The Tell Us Once service is also available in most cases.
We care for your loved one with dignity and respect from the moment they come into our care.
There is no rush to make decisions. We will support you step by step at a pace that feels right for you.
We are always here if you need guidance, reassurance, or simply someone to talk things through with.
If a death is sudden or unexpected, emergency services will usually already be in attendance.
Once the death has been confirmed, the police may need to attend to make sure everything is in order and to support the process. They will guide you on when to contact us.
In these situations, the person who has died will normally be taken to a hospital mortuary while further steps are completed.
If a doctor is not able to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, the Coroner will become involved. This is a normal legal process and can sometimes take a little longer.
The Coroner will decide what needs to happen next and will let you know when the death can be registered.
We will stay in contact with you throughout and will bring your loved one into our care when the appropriate authorisation has been given.
