What To Do When Someone Dies

If the death was expected, contact the person’s GP, district nursing team or palliative care team. Outside normal surgery hours, call NHS 111. If it was sudden or unexpected, or you are unsure whether the person has died, call 999. Do not move the person or disturb the room unless advised.

A trained healthcare professional will verify the death. A doctor will establish the medical cause, which is reviewed by a medical examiner unless the death is referred to a coroner.

After an expected death at home, a doctor or another appropriately trained healthcare professional will attend. Once the death has been verified, we can discuss when to attend and bring the person into our care.

For a sudden or unexplained death, call 999. The police and coroner may become involved. This is a standard process and does not necessarily mean anything suspicious has happened.

When someone dies in hospital, staff will care for them and contact the family. The hospital bereavement or medical examiner’s office will explain the next steps and tell you when registration can take place.

In a care home, staff will contact a healthcare professional to verify the death and notify the family. In both settings, the family can choose us at N E Downing to bring the person into our care when permitted.

If someone dies elsewhere in the UK, local healthcare services will follow the process for that area. We can help arrange their transfer closer to home.

If someone dies abroad, contact their travel insurer promptly. The death must usually be registered in the country where it occurred. Local authorities, the British embassy or consulate and we at N E Downing can help arrange a funeral overseas or repatriation to the UK.

You can contact us at N E Downing once the death has been verified. You do not need to wait for registration before starting the arrangements. The funeral itself can usually only take place after registration or once the coroner has given the required authority.

The medical examiner’s office will tell you when the registrar has received the paperwork. In England and Wales, the death should then be registered within five days of that confirmation. The registrar will issue the certificate for burial or cremation, often called the green form.

The registrar will ask for the person’s full name, previous names, date and place of birth, address, occupation, date and place of death, and details of a spouse or civil partner. Medical paperwork is normally sent directly to the register office. Passports, birth or marriage certificates and proof of address may be helpful, although requirements vary.

Also look for a will, prepaid funeral plan, insurance policy, funeral wishes and any paperwork for an existing grave. These documents can help us understand any arrangements that have already been made.

A close relative, friend or the executor named in a will can arrange a funeral. Families often choose one person as the main contact. If there is disagreement about who should make decisions, seek legal advice before signing a contract.

Any funeral wishes should be considered carefully, including preferences for burial or cremation, music or the type of service. Although these wishes are not generally legally binding, they can help the family create a fitting farewell.

There is no single timetable. Arrangements can begin straight away, but the date will depend on registration, any coroner involvement, venue availability and the family’s needs. Tell us about any religious or cultural requirement for an earlier funeral.

At N E Downing, we are here to offer calm, compassionate guidance from the first telephone call. We will explain each step clearly and give your family the time and support needed.