What to do after a death

You’re not alone if you don’t know what to do when death happens – it’s an overwhelming time, but there are official and necessary steps that must be taken once someone has died.

Churcher & Tribbeck are here to break down what needs to be done and help along the way.

If a person dies at home

The first thing you will need to do is contact the deceased’s doctor or call 111 if the death occurs out of surgery hours, so a doctor can attend to verify the death.  Once the death has been attended and verified, you are able to call the funeral director 24 hours a day and we will take over the care of your loved one.

When someone dies, the medical practitioner who attended them will – where they are able – propose a cause of death to the best of their knowledge and belief. The attending medical practitioner will then share this with the Medical Examiner (ME), a senior medical doctor, who will provide an independent scrutiny of the death. MEs will provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions and raise any concerns.

Once the ME has independently completed their scrutiny of the death and notified the registrar, the medical certificate (MCCD) is forwarded on for registration, you, as the representative of the deceased person, will be informed. You will then be able to contact the registrar’s office to register the death.

If a person dies in a hospital or a nursing home

In places such as hospitals, hospices or nursing homes, the death can be confirmed by personnel such as a doctor or nurse. The procedure will then be the same as above.

If a person dies suddenly/unexpectedly 

If a death occurs unexpectedly, suddenly, or without any natural causes – it must be reported to a coroner who will first send a uniformed officer to record the details.   The body will be taken to a hospital mortuary designated by the coroner. Please try not to worry; this can happen for a number of reasons and is quite often a formality.

Registering a death 

Whilst it may be difficult to collect your thoughts at this time, it’s important to register a death within 5 days once you have been informed by the Medical Examiner that the local registrar office in the area which the death occurred has received the (MCCD).  You will need to make an appointment to be able to register the death.

Documentation and information you will need includes:

  • Your loved one’s birth certificate, medical card, marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable), driving license, passport, council tax bill and proof of address e.g. utility bill
  • Key details about your loved one: date, time, and place of death, full name, any maiden names, occupation, address, birthplace, and date
  • Personal details of dwelling partner or spouse
  • Details of any social security benefits the deceased received

Once you have registered the death, the registrar will produce a Death Certificate for you to purchase, and they will also produce a Certificate for Burial or Cremation also known as ‘the green form’ to facilitate the funeral arrangements and send this to the funeral director.

Once you entrust the body of your loved one into our care, they will be treated with the utmost dignity and professionalism.

Throughout this difficult time, we listen carefully to family members to ensure the process is reassuring, and exactly what you’re looking for.

Call one of our offices today.

We offer our services across Fareham, Stubbington, Lee on Solent and beyond – simply contact us today for some compassionate advice.