When a loved one dies

At Home

If the death occurs at a private residence, the deceased’s usual doctor, or duty on call doctor, will be called to verify the death. Only after the death has been verified can the family call Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors to take 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 emailed to the Somerset Medical Examiner Service (SMES), with a proposed cause of death.

Once the cause of death has been agreed, the deceased’s doctor can then issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical practice will email this to the Medical Examiner who will check and forward on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Somerset Registrations Team.

The medical practice no longer informs the family that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed, this will now be the Somerset Medical Examiner Service team. If the death is unexpected, the death 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 carried out their investigation, they will release the body to the funeral director and supply the Registration Service with the appropriate 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 duty on call doctor, will be called to verify the death. Only after the death has been verified can the family or staff nurse call Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors to take 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 emailed to the Somerset Medical Examiner Service (SMES), with a proposed cause of death.

Once the cause of death has been agreed, the deceased’s doctor can then issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical practice will email this to the Medical Examiner who will check and forward on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Somerset Registrations Team.

The medical practice no longer informs the family that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed, this will now be the Somerset Medical Examiner Service team. If the death is unexpected, the death 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 carried out their investigation, they will release the body to the funeral director and supply the Registration Service with the appropriate 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 expected by the doctors treating the patient. 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 emailed to the Somerset Medical Examiner Service (SMES), with a proposed cause of death. The hospital Bereavement Officer will provide you with as much guidance as you need during the early days of a hospital bereavement.

Once the cause of death has been agreed, the deceased’s doctor can then issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The medical practice or hospital
Bereavement Officer will email this to the Medical Examiner who will check and forward on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Somerset Registrations Team.

The medical practice no longer informs the family that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been completed, this will now be the Somerset Medical Examiner Service team. If the death is unexpected, the death 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 carried out their investigation, they will release the body to the funeral director and supply the Registration Service with the appropriate paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.

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.

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