When a loved one dies
At Home
If the death occurs at a private residence, the deceased’s usual doctor or the on-call duty doctor will be contacted to verify the death. Only once this has been completed can the family contact us to bring their loved one into our care.
Following the death of your loved one, the deceased’s medical practice will be notified of their passing. The usual doctor who cared for the deceased will need to complete a form, which is then emailed to the Medical Examiner Service with a proposed cause of death.
Once the cause of death has been agreed, the deceased’s doctor can issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical practice will email this to the Medical Examiner, who will review and forward the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Registration Service.
The medical practice no longer informs the family that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed; this responsibility now lies with the Medical Examiner Service team. If the death is unexpected, it may be reported to the Coroner, in which case the police will attend on the Coroner’s behalf, and the Coroner’s nominated funeral director will be called to take the deceased to hospital for further investigation.
After the Coroner has completed their investigation, they will release the deceased to us and provide the Registration Service with the necessary paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.
At a Nursing or Care Home
When a death occurs in a nursing or care home, the deceased’s usual doctor or the on-call duty doctor will be contacted to verify the death. Only once this has been completed can the family or a staff nurse contact us to bring your loved one into our care.
Following the death of your loved one, the deceased’s medical practice will be notified of their passing. The usual doctor who cared for the deceased will need to complete a form, which is then emailed to the Medical Examiner Service with a proposed cause of death.
Once the cause of death has been agreed, the deceased’s doctor can issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical practice will email this to the Medical Examiner, who will review and forward the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Registration Service.
The medical practice no longer informs the family that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed; this responsibility now lies with the Medical Examiner Service team. If the death is unexpected, it may be reported to the Coroner, in which case the police will attend on the Coroner’s behalf, and the Coroner’s nominated funeral director will be called to take the deceased to hospital for further investigation.
After the Coroner has completed their investigation, they will release the deceased to us and provide the Registration Service with the necessary paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.
At a Hospital or Hospice
When a death occurs in a hospital or hospice, it is usually anticipated by the doctors treating the patient. Following the passing of your loved one, the deceased’s medical practice will be notified. The doctor who provided care will need to complete a form, which is then emailed to the Medical Examiner Service with a proposed cause of death. The hospital Bereavement Officer will offer you as much guidance as needed during the initial days following a hospital bereavement.
Once the cause of death has been agreed, the deceased’s doctor can issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical practice will email this to the Medical Examiner, who will review and forward the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Registration Service.
The medical practice no longer informs the family that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed; this responsibility now lies with the Medical Examiner Service team. If the death is unexpected, it may be reported to the Coroner, in which case the police will attend on the Coroner’s behalf, and the Coroner’s nominated funeral director will be called to take the deceased to hospital for further investigation.
What to Do When Someone Dies Abroad
Should someone die while abroad then contact the British Embassy, High Commissioner or nearest Consulate. They will be able to offer advice and help you with arrangements. If you are on a package holiday, tour operators or reps may be able to put you in touch with the right authorities.
If you are at home in the UK when a loved one dies abroad, you may be informed of the death by a member of your local police force or the British Consulate. If you are informed by someone else, be sure to contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to seek help and advice. FCO bereavement packs provide comprehensive information on legal processes and services available after a death in any country in the world.