Death at home

1. If the Death Was Expected:

• During GP Hours: Immediately contact the deceased’s General Practitioner (GP). The GP will confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
• Outside GP Hours: Call the NHS helpline (111) for assistance with out-of-hours medical services.

2. If the Death Was Unexpected:

• Emergency Action: Dial 999 to inform the police and emergency services. Follow their instructions, which may include guidance on resuscitation efforts.

3. Contact Your West & Sons Funeral Director:

• Initiating Contact: Once the death has been verified, contact West & Sons. Be prepared to provide some initial information about the deceased, including:
  • Name
  • Date of birth (can be provided later if unknown)
  • Home address
  • Address where they passed away
  • Your relationship to the deceased
  • Preference for burial or cremation (this can be decided later if uncertain)

4. After Death Certification:

• Registering the Death: You must register the death at the local Register Office within five days. Utilise online or telephone services for convenience. Registration should occur in the area where the death happened to prevent delays.
• Coroner’s Involvement: If the death cause is sudden or unclear, the case may be referred to the coroner for further investigation through a post-mortem or inquest.

5. Arranging the Funeral:

• Obtaining Necessary Documents: After registering, the Registrar will issue a green form required for the funeral. Also, obtain several copies of the death certificate for estate, banking, and insurance purposes.
• Engaging a Funeral Director: Coordinate with your funeral director at West & Sons to manage your loved one’s final arrangements seamlessly.

6. Additional Support:

• Probate and Legal Matters: For assistance with probate and other related legal matters, contact our sister company, The Probate Bureau, on 01920 443 590. Our experts are ready to provide the necessary guidance and support.