What to do When Someone Passes

A Step-By-Step Guide

Losing a loved one is an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. During this difficult time, there are a number of practical steps that need to be taken. At Direct Cremation Bristol, we are here to guide you through each stage of the process with compassion, clarity, and professionalism. Our step-by-step guide will help you navigate what needs to be done after a death, offering advice, useful contacts, and support.

Step 1: Confirming the Death

At Home

If the death occurs at home, the first step is to contact the deceased's GP or call NHS 111 if it's outside of normal working hours. The GP will confirm the death and provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).

In a Hospital or Care Home

If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will notify the necessary authorities and inform you of the next steps. They will also issue the MCCD.

In the Case of an Unexpected Death

If the death is sudden, unexplained, or occurs outside of medical care, you should contact emergency services immediately by calling 999. Police and paramedics will attend, and the Coroner may need to be involved.

Step 2: Contacting a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, contact Direct Cremation Bristol. Our team will assist with all the arrangements, paperwork, and provide the necessary care for your loved one.

Contact Us:

0117 374 2002

info@directcremationbristol.co.uk

Step 3: The Medical Examiner Process

From September 2024, new national regulations require all deaths to be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate can be issued. The Medical Examiner will review medical records and speak to the attending doctor. If necessary, the case may be referred to the Coroner for further investigation.

Step 4: Registering the Death

You are required to register the death within five days (England & Wales). Registration must be done at the local registry office of the area where the death occurred.

What You'll Need for Registration:

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Full name, date, and place of birth of the deceased.
Last known address of the deceased.
Occupation and marital status of the deceased.
Details of any surviving spouse or civil partner.
Information about any state benefits or pensions.

Local Registrars in the Bristol Area:

Bristol Register Office

Address: 100 Temple Street, Bristol, BS1 6AG
Phone: 0117 922 2800
Website: Bristol Register Office

South Gloucestershire Register Office

Address: Badminton Road, Yate, BS37 5AF
Phone: 01454 868010
Website: South Gloucestershire Register Office

Step 5: Coroner Involvement

In cases where the death is sudden, unexplained, or involves certain circumstances (e.g. workplace accident), the Coroner may need to get involved. The Coroner may:

Request a post-mortem or CT scan.
Issue an Interim Certificate while an inquest is pending.
Forward documentation to the registrar if the cause of death is natural.

Local Coroner Contact:

Step 6: Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service allows you to notify several government departments of the death at once. This includes informing:

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
Passport Office
Local council services (council tax, housing benefit, electoral roll)

Visit the Tell Us Once Website: www.gov.uk/tell-us-once

Step 7: Arranging the Funeral

Once the death has been registered, you can begin arranging the funeral. At Direct Cremation Bristol, we offer simple and affordable direct cremation services with no formal ceremony at the crematorium. We also provide options for private memorials or celebrations of life, ensuring your loved one’s memory is honoured in a way that feels right for you.

Step 8: Legal and Financial Matters

After the funeral:

Notify banks, insurance providers, and utility companies about the death.
If there is a will, start the probate process; if there isn’t, follow intestacy laws.
Seek legal advice if needed for managing the deceased’s estate or property matters.

Step 9: Emotional Support

Grief is a personal and ongoing journey. If you feel overwhelmed, it is important to reach out for support. There are many local and national bereavement services available to help you navigate your emotions during this time.

Local Bereavement Support Services:

Cruse Bereavement Care

Helpline: 0808 808 1677
Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Samaritans (24/7 support)

Helpline: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org

Child Bereavement UK (Support for grieving children)

Helpline: 0800 02 888 40
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org

Useful Contacts

Emergency Services (if required)

Phone: 999 (for emergency or unexpected death)

NHS Bereavement Helpline

Phone: 0800 2600 400