What to do when someone dies.
A short, practical guide. Please take your time — there is no rush.
Someone has died. What practical things do I need to do straight away?
If someone dies at home and their death was expected
Call the family doctor and nearest relative. If the death was expected — for example due to a terminal illness — in most instances the doctor will issue a medical certificate of the cause of death to allow the death to be registered at the Register Office. A Death Certificate will then be provided.
Having spoken with the GP practice, and when you feel ready to do so, you can contact a funeral director.
If someone dies at home unexpectedly
Call 111 immediately and ask for advice. An unexpected death may need to be reported to a coroner — a doctor or lawyer responsible for investigating unexpected deaths. They may call for a post-mortem or inquest to find out the cause of death. This may take some time, so the funeral may need to be delayed.
If someone dies in hospital
The hospital will usually issue a medical certificate and formal notice. They will support you with the next steps you need to take. The body will usually be kept in the hospital mortuary until the funeral directors or relatives arrange a chapel of rest, or for the body to be taken home.
If someone dies abroad
Register the death according to the regulations of the country in which it occurred. Register it with the British Consul in that country too, so you can get a consulate death certificate and a record can be kept in the UK.
When you are ready, I’m here.
Please take your time, and feel free to talk to me when you are ready. I am here purely for you — to make you feel reassured that you are in good hands at what may be a troubled time. I hope to offer a moment of light on a dark day.