Questions & Answers

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This section of our website will answer some questions you might have about our service. 

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Death In a nursing or care home

When a death occurs in a nursing or care home, the deceased usual doctor or an on call doctor will be called to confirm death. Only after the doctor has attended can the family or home staff call the funeral director to take the deceased into the care. The deceased’s normal doctor will issue the medical cause of Death Certificate, and this is normally collected from the surgery in order to register the death.

If the death is unexpected, the death may be reported to the coroner in which case the police will attend on the coroners behalf and the coroners nominated funeral director (You are under no obligation to use the coroners funeral director for funeral arrangements, They are only contracted to convey the deceased to hospital or chapel of rest until it can be taken to the hospital) will be called to remove the deceased to hospital to await further investigations. After the coroner has carried out their investigations they will release the body to the funeral director and supply the register office with the appropriate paperwork for the family to register the death.

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Death at home 

When death occurs at a private residence, the first call is to the normal doctor or duty on call doctor. Only after the doctor has confirmed death can the funeral director take the deceased into their care. If the deceased’s is under the care of district nurses, they are able to confirm that the death has occurred. The deceased’s own doctor will issue the medical cause of death certificate to the family who can then request the death.

If the death is unexpected, the death may be reported to the coroner in which case the police will attend on the coroners behalf and the coroners nominated funeral director (You are under no obligation to use the coroners funeral director for funeral arrangements, They are only contracted to convey the deceased to hospital or chapel of rest until it can be taken to the hospital) will be called to remove the deceased to hospital to await further investigations. After the coroner has carried out their investigations they will release the body to the funeral director and supply the register office with the appropriate paperwork for the family to register the death.

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Death in hospital or hospice 

When a death occurs in hospital or hospice, it is usually expected by the doctors treating the patient. This means that the doctor will be able to issue a cause of death certificate which in is used to register the death. The medical cause of death certificate is usually issued via the bereavement officer at the hospital, and can be collected by arrangement with them. If for any reason the doctor feels they are not in a position to issue the cause of death certificate they will refer the case to the coroners, who will decide whether a certificate can be issued or whether further investigation is necessary. If further investigation is required a post mortem examination may be ordered, this is usually to determine the exact cause of death. In most cases this will not necessarily cause delay in making funeral arrangements. After the coroner has carried out their investigations, they will release the body to the funeral director and supply the register office with the appropriate paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.

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