When someone passes away at home
You must inform the doctor/nurse, who will then attend to verify the passing of your loved one. Once this has taken place, contact us at Southwest Funeral Care on 01752 651020 (24hr service) to arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care.
The doctor will complete a Medical cause of death certificate to enable you to register the death of your loved one, you may be required to attend the surgery to collect the certificate.
When someone passes away at Nursing home/ hospice
The doctor/nurse will attend to verify the passing of your loved one. Once this is completed, they will contact your chosen funeral directors to arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care.
The registered doctor will complete a Medical cause of death certificate to enable you to register the death of your loved one, you may be required to attend the surgery to collect the certificate.
When someone passes away in hospital
The doctor/nurse present at the time will verify the passing of your loved one. A member of the hospital bereavement team will contact you and inform you when you are able to collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to enable you to act and register the death of your loved one.
Once this has taken place you may contact us at Southwest funeral care 01752 651020 (24hr service) to arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care.
When someone passes away unexpectedly
If a death is reported to a coroner, the documents you need to register the death may be different. The coroner will decide either; the cause of death is clear, or that a post-mortem is needed or to hold an inquest. If the coroner decides that the cause of death is clear you are able to collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to enable you to act and register the death of your loved one.
When someone passes away abroad, or away from home
When this happens, registration has to be completed within the country that the death took place. We will guide you through this process and arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
How to register a death
When registering a death, you will need to book an appointment with the Registrar’s Office, this will provide you with the necessary documents required for a funeral to take place.
Who can register:
- Next of kin or close relative.
- A person who was present at the death.
- The person who is taking responsibility for arranging the funeral.
Documents required for registration:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Birth Certificate (if available)
- Council Tax bill (if available)
- Driving licence (if available)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if available)
- NHS medical card (if available)
- Passport (if available)
The Registrar will also need the following information about the person who has passed away:
- The person’s full name at the time of death
- Any names previously used, eg maiden name
- The person’s date and place of birth
- Their last address
- Their occupation
- The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
- whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits
What the Registrar will issue:
- The Registrars Certificate for Burial or Cremation (this document is green in colour and needs to be given to the funeral director).
- The Notice of Death Certificate (this document is for the Department of Work and Pensions)
- Additional Certified Copies of the Entry of Death (may be required for banks, solicitors and insurance companies, there is a charge for these).
