WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE PASSES AWAY
The steps to take once a person has passed away depends on where and how the passing has occurred. Most deaths take place in hospital, nursing homes or at home. Whatever the circumstances, one of your first calls should be to a licensed funeral director.
HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME
The hospital or nursing home staff will make arrangements for the doctor to issue the death certificate and will advise you when it is available. Let the home know on admission which funeral director has been chosen to save any confusion or delay when death occurs. You should call us at any time, day or night to take the deceased into our care.
HOME
The first contact would normally be the family doctor. They would call at the house and if satisfied with the cause of death , will issue a death certificate, either giving this to you, or you may need to call at the surgery to pick this up when completed. After the doctor has attended you should call us at any time, day or night to take the deceased into our care.
CORONERS
In some cases the death may be reported to the Coroner. This could be because the death was unexpected, a road accident or simply that the deceased had not been seen by a doctor in the preceding days. This should not unduly delay the funeral. You should call us and we will explain the procedures involved. We can also liaise with the Coroners on your behalf.