What To Do When Someone Dies

Being aware of what to do when someone dies can help you to prepare and avoid further upset when the time arises. The place where the death occurs can influence the processes that follow. Our guide explains what to do when a loved one dies in hospital, at a care home or at their own home and will also explain what happens when a Coroner is involved.

When a person dies in hospital

If an individual dies in hospital, they will be transported to the hospital mortuary. A doctor will issue a medical certificate, as long as the death was not subject to unusual circumstances.

If the death was sudden or unexpected, then a Coroner may become involved and request an investigation. This could cause a delay as to when the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form) can be issued.

When a death occurs in a residential setting

When a death takes place in a residential setting, you should let the doctor know as soon as possible. The doctor will visit and provide a medical certificate, provided the circumstances of the death were not unusual. It is normal for the police to attend so they can verify that the death did not occur under unusual circumstances.

When HM Coroner is called

If the death of a person is sudden and unexpected, it is important for you to get in touch with the emergency services. If the circumstances surrounding the death mean that a doctor is unable to issue a death certificate, this could lead to the intervention of HM Coroner. The deceased will be taken to the hospital mortuary and a post-mortem may be requested along with an investigation into the death. The certificate for burial or cremation cannot be issued until the Coroner has identified the cause of death.

Contact us for advice on steps to take when someone dies

Contact Portishead Funeral Services if you need more information on what to do when someone dies.