In Hospital
If the death occurs in hospital, the hospital staff will contact the person named by the deceased as next of kin. This may be, but need not be, a relative.
The hospital will advise whether it is possible for a doctor to issue the medical certificate, and when this will be available for collection.
If a doctor who has treated the deceased is unable to issue a death certificate the death will be reported to HM Coroner for that district.
At Home or in a Nursing Home
If the doctor can certify the cause of death you will be given:
- A Medical Certificate that shows the cause of death (this will be in a sealed envelope, addressed to the registrar);
- A Formal Notice which states that the doctor has signed the Medical Certificate and tells you how to register the death.
“The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.”
Bruce Coville
Suddenly
If death is sudden or unexpected, you should contact the following people:
- the family doctor (if known)
- the deceased’s nearest relative
- the police, who will help find the people listed above if necessary.
If there is any reason to suspect that the death was not due to natural causes, do not touch or remove anything in the room. The death may be referred to the coroner.
The Coroner is involved
In any of the following circumstances the doctor may report the death to the coroner:
- an accident or injury.
- an industrial disease.
- during a surgical operation.
- before recovering from an anaesthetic.
- if the cause of death is unknown.
- the death was sudden and unexplained.
If the person who has died has not been seen or treated by a doctor within the last 14 days or has been admitted into hospital less than 24 hours before they died the death must be reported to the coroner.
Contact us on 0161 432 2131 for advice on procedures.
SAIF Care
SAIF Care is a bereavement counselling service offered by Funeral Directors that are members of The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and provides a range of services to bereaved people, over the age of 18, including:
- A freephone telephone helpline 0800 917 7224
- Email support and information help@saifcare.org.uk
- Up to six free sessions of supportive counselling by telephone, skype or face to face in your local area.
SAIF Care services are offered by friendly staff who are trained in counselling and bereavement skills and who will be able to listen and support you and be able to help you to understand your experience of grief, develop self-care, coping strategies and support you to deal with the challenges you may be facing.
SAIF Care services are available Monday– Friday, from 9am–9pm.
SAIF Care is confidential and free of charge to people who have used the services of George Ball & Son.