Step by Step guide

As your funeral directors, we are here to help and advise in whatever way we can. We are dedicated professionals who provide a personal service to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whether the death occurs at home, in the hospital or even abroad our staff are available to guide you through the process in every detail and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

It is a rare privilege to be a funeral director, to stand in a sensitive position at a crucial time in the midst of your family, knowing that the quality of our service and reputation will help you through this most difficult time in your lives.

What happens when someone dies in hospital

Your loved one will not be released into our care until the necessary paperwork is completed.

What you need to do:

If you are present at the time of death remember to collect the personal belongings of your loved one before leaving the hospital ward.

You’ll need a Medical Certificate of Death (death certificate) from the attending doctor. Bear in mind that this may take a while. Doctors work in shift patterns and you may need to wait for the same doctor to be back on duty.

What the hospital needs to know:

The hospital needs to be informed whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation, so the relevant forms can be filled in before your loved one is placed into our care.

When someone dies at home

Even if it was expected, a death at home can be very upsetting. It’s perfectly ok to take a moment to yourself before you do anything else. Or you might want to ask a close friend or family member to be with you.

It may be helpful to contact us, at this stage so we can guide you through what are difficult steps.

Step 1

If the death was expected:

You need to call their local GP. If you call during surgery hours, the GP will normally come to the house to certify the death and issue a death certificate giving the cause of death (officially called the Medical Certificate of Death).

If you call out of normal surgery hours, an out-of-hours doctor will visit the house. The death certificate will not be issued but the out-of-hours doctor will give permission for the Funeral Director to take your loved one into their care. The certificate will be issued later when the surgery re-opens.

If the death was unexpected (and your loved one has not seen their GP in the past 30 days) call an ambulance.

(A doctor can’t issue a certificate if they’re unsure of the cause of death. In this case, you need a coroner to establish the cause of death). Your loved one will be taken to the Coroner’s mortuary where a post mortem may be carried out.

Step 2 – Call us.

We’ll talk you through what happens next and the first decisions you need to make.

Please remember you can call us at any time before this point, if you want some extra support or guidance while the cause of death is confirmed.