When someone dies it is often hard to know what to do.
The surgery is always available for advice but here are some practical steps that may help.
Things you will have to do:-
If someone dies at home
- Telephone the doctor who will visit and confirm death has taken place and issue a death certificate or explain where and when it can be collected.
- Contact a funeral director and explain the situation to them. They will then visit, take the deceased into their care and advise on registration procedures.
If someone dies in hospital
- Contact your funeral director and let them know that their services are required
- Speak to the hospital administrator regarding the death certificate and advise them whether the deceased is for burial or cremation.
When a death is sudden or as a result of a road accident
- If at home, advise the doctor who will visit, confirm the death and advise the local police and/or coroner.
- The police officer will contact the duty funeral director.
- The duty funeral director is acting for the coroner at this stage.
- You should contact the funeral director of your choice so that he can take over on your behalf. There is no need to wait for the certificate to be issued
In all cases
- You need to make an appointment to take the certificate to the registrar’s office for the area in which the death took place.
- If possible take the deceased’s medical card and if available, birth certificate.
- The registrar will issue you with a green form.
- Take the green form to the funeral director or arrange for it to be collected and he will then take over responsibility for arranging the funeral.
Useful Websites
Cruse Bereavement Support