The Bereavement Register
What to Do When Someone Dies
A death can occur at any time to anyone, anywhere.
Whether an accident, an expected or unexpected death, the circumstances will dictate what has to be done next, or indeed what happens next.
This brief guide outlines actions, procedures and requirements when confronted with a death.
Unexpected Death
Expected Death
A death can occur at any time to anyone, anywhere.
Whether an accident, an expected or unexpected death, the circumstances will dictate what has to be done next, or indeed what happens next.
This brief guide outlines actions, procedures and requirements when confronted with a death.
Death at Home
Death in Hospital/Hospice
Death in a Carehome
If you find someone and are uncertain whether that person is dead, call 999 for assistance.
If a death was expected then the person’s own a doctor, or a member of the out of hours team, will certify death.
To contact them, call either the doctor concerned or 111 for out of hours support.
Funeral directors are only authorised to transfer the person into our care once the death has been certified. But you may call us at any time for guidance and support.
Death at Home
Death in Hospital or Hospice
Should you not be present then the next of kin will be advised of the death by nursing staff.
Should you wish to see the deceased at this time then arrangements following the decision with nursing staff should enable this to take place.
The deceased will be taken into the care of the mortuary staff at hospital. Or if at a hospice they will be transferred into our care after a call from a family member or the nursing staff.
The hospital or hospice staff will take the necessary steps and arrange for the family to collect any possessions and to deal with necessary documentation.
The Residential Home will call either the relevant doctor or out of hours team to certify death. Some Homes have staff who are authorised to confirm death.
Should you not be present then the Home will contact you to ascertain whether you want to see the deceased before being transferred.
You should contact us to arrange for your loved one to be taken into our care or you can ask the Home to do that on your behalf.
Death in a Carehome
Unexpected Death
If the death is as a result of accident, collapse or illness at home then call 999 for assistance. Emergency services will be involved and death is certified.
The police or ambulance staff will usually ask who you would prefer as your funeral director and they would normally contact them for you.
Depending on the circumstances, either the personwill be transferred to our premises or transferred to the care of the Coronerdirectly to the relevant hospital (Usually Queens Medical Centre in Nottinghamshire) under the care of the Coroner.
The hospital or hospice staff will take the necessary steps and arrange for the family to collect any possessions and to deal with necessary documentation.