When a loved one dies
At Home
If the death occurs at a private residence, a qualified healthcare professional – such as the deceased’s usual doctor, an on-call doctor, or a district nurse – will attend to verify the death.
The family may contact us at any time following the death. However, we are only able to bring your loved one into our care once the death has been formally verified.
Following the death, the deceased’s GP practice will need to be informed. A doctor who attended the deceased during their final illness will complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is reviewed by the Medical Examiner Service.
Once the cause of death has been agreed, the Medical Examiner will arrange for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to be sent electronically to the Registration Service for the area in which the death occurred. The Medical Examiner Service will contact the family to explain the cause of death and confirm that the necessary paperwork has been completed.
Once the Registration Service has received the relevant paperwork, the family will be able to arrange an appointment to register the death. The process for arranging an appointment varies between local authorities, and we will advise you of the appropriate procedure and Registration Service.
If the death is unexpected, unexplained or meets other criteria requiring referral, it will be referred to the Coroner. The Coroner will decide whether any further investigation is required and will make the necessary arrangements where appropriate. In some circumstances, the deceased may be taken to a hospital or public mortuary while enquiries are carried out.
After the Coroner has completed their investigation, the deceased will be released. Once we have been instructed, we will make all the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. The Coroner will also provide the Registration Service with the required documentation so that the death can be registered.
At a Nursing or Care Home
When a death occurs in a nursing or care home, a qualified healthcare professional – such as the deceased’s usual doctor, an on-call doctor, a district nurse, or a suitably trained member of care home staff – will attend to verify the death.
The family or care home staff may contact us at any time. However, we are only able to bring your loved one into our care once the death has been formally verified.
Following the death, the deceased’s GP practice will need to be informed. A doctor who attended the deceased during their final illness will complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is reviewed by the Medical Examiner Service.
Once the cause of death has been agreed, the Medical Examiner will arrange for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to be sent electronically to the Registration Service for the area in which the death occurred. The Medical Examiner Service will contact the family to explain the cause of death and confirm that the necessary paperwork has been completed.
Once the Registration Service has received the relevant paperwork, the family will be able to arrange an appointment to register the death. The process for arranging an appointment varies between local authorities, and we will advise you of the appropriate procedure and Registration Service.
If the death is unexpected, unexplained or meets other criteria requiring referral, it will be referred to the Coroner. The Coroner will decide whether any further investigation is required and will make the necessary arrangements where appropriate. In some circumstances, the deceased may be taken to a hospital or public mortuary while enquiries are carried out.
After the Coroner has completed their investigation, the deceased will be released. Once we have been instructed, we will make all the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. The Coroner will also provide the Registration Service with the required documentation so that the death can be registered.
At a Hospital or Hospice
When a death occurs in a hospital or hospice, it is often anticipated by the doctors caring for the patient. Following the passing of your loved one, the hospital or hospice team will offer guidance and support during the initial days following the bereavement.
A doctor who attended the deceased during their final illness will complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is reviewed by the Medical Examiner Service.
Once the cause of death has been agreed, the Medical Examiner will arrange for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to be sent electronically to the Registration Service for the area in which the death occurred. The Medical Examiner Service will contact the family to explain the cause of death and confirm that the necessary paperwork has been completed.
Once the Registration Service has received the relevant paperwork, the family will be able to arrange an appointment to register the death. The process for arranging an appointment varies between local authorities, and we will advise you of the appropriate procedure and Registration Service.
If the death is unexpected, unexplained or meets other criteria requiring referral, it will be referred to the Coroner. The Coroner will decide whether any further investigation is required and will make the necessary arrangements where appropriate.
After the Coroner has completed their investigation, the deceased will be released. Once we have been instructed, we will make all the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care. The Coroner will also provide the Registration Service with the required documentation so that the death can be registered.
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.