What to Do When Someone Dies:
General Overview
When someone passes away, the process can be complex, involving legal, medical, and personal arrangements. This guide explains the necessary steps to take depending on the circumstances of the death, with additional details on medical examiners, coroners, and funeral arrangements.
1. Death in a Care Home
- Verification of Death: Staff at the care home will arrange for a healthcare professional to verify the death. They will also notify the next of kin and the GP practice.
- Contacting Funeral Services: Families should contact a funeral director to arrange for the deceased to be moved, once the death has been verified.
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD): All deaths must be reviewed by a medical examiner in England. Expected deaths may still require coroner involvement, potentially delaying the certificate.
- Next Steps: The care home staff will guide families on registering the death.
2. Death at Home
- If Expected:
- Call the GP or NHS 111. A doctor or qualified nurse will verify the death.
- Once verified, contact a funeral director to arrange for the deceased to be moved.
- The medical examiner and GP will review the case and, if no issues arise, issue an MCCD.
- If Unexpected:
- Dial 999 immediately. Emergency responders may instruct you to perform CPR unless a ReSPECT or DNACPR form is in place.
- The police and ambulance will likely attend, and the death will be referred to a coroner for investigation.
- The coroner may order a post-mortem or inquest to establish the cause of death.
3. Death in Hospital
- Hospital staff will verify the death and inform the family.
- A medical examiner and hospital doctor will review the case and issue the MCCD if appropriate.
- The body is typically kept in the hospital mortuary until arrangements are made with a funeral director.
4. Death Abroad
- Register the death locally according to the country’s regulations.
- Obtain a consular death certificate through the British Consulate for UK records. A certified English translation may be necessary.
5. Registering the Death
- Timeframe: Deaths must be registered within 5 days in England and Wales, unless referred to a coroner. There may be extensions to this due to delays in obtaining an MCCD from the GP or hospital.
- Documents Needed: Bring the MCCD, identification of the deceased, and, if available, documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or NHS cards.
- Green Form: After registering, you’ll receive a certificate for burial or cremation.
6. Medical Examiner and Coroner Involvement
- Medical Examiner: All deaths are reviewed by a medical examiner before an MCCD is issued. They may contact the family for details about the deceased’s health and circumstances of death.
- Coroner Referral: Unexpected or unclear deaths are referred to a coroner, which may delay funeral arrangements. There are also other circumstances, like recent surgery or falls, where discussion with a coroner may be required.
7. Funeral Arrangements
- Using a Funeral Director: Funeral directors can handle logistics, including paperwork, transportation, and ceremonies.
- Cremation and Burial Forms: Special forms are required for cremation; these are provided by doctors and funeral directors.
- Direct Cremation: A low-cost option where the body is cremated without a service, allowing for a separate memorial later.
8. Support and Financial Help
- Bereavement Benefits: Families on low incomes may qualify for a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund.
- Emotional Support: Charities like Cruse Bereavement Care and Age UK provide guidance and support during this difficult time.
9. Delays to be Aware Of
- Medical examiner reviews and potential coroner referrals may delay the issuance of the MCCD, which in turn affects the registration of death and funeral arrangements.
- Families should plan for these potential delays and maintain open communication with the GP practice and funeral director.
For further details on specific processes, visit Age UK and Bereavement Advice