What Happens After a Death?

This guide explains what usually happens when someone dies at home or outside of hospital, and what you

may need to do next. It explains how your WBHC GP Practice, the Medical Examiner's Office, and

sometimes the Coroner may be involved, and where you can find support.

What should I do when someone dies?

1. Contact the person's GP

If someone dies at home or outside of hospital, their GP Practice should be informed.

This can be done by a family member, carer, nursing team, or another healthcare professional.

If the GP Practice is closed, call NHS 111.

NHS 111 will assess the situation and, if needed, refer it to the Out of Hours GP Service. A healthcare

professional may:

• Give advice over the phone

• Arrange for someone to visit to verify the death and

• Advise you about contacting the person's GP Practice.

2. The GP will complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

The GP will review the person's medical records and recent care to confirm the cause and circumstances of

death.

If they are satisfied that they can certify the death, they will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of

Death (MCCD).

The GP Practice will send the certificate electronically to the Medical Examiner's Office (MEO).

You do not need to collect any paperwork from the GP Practice or the Medical Examiner's Office.

3. Wait for the Medical Examiner's Office to contact you

The Medical Examiner's Office will:

• Explain the cause of death

• Answer any questions you may have

• Confirm when the paperwork has been completed

4. Register the death

Once the Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that everything is complete, the death must be registered.

This is a legal requirement and should usually be done within 5 days (including weekends and bank

holidays).

You will need to arrange a face-to-face appointment with the local Registrar.

After registering the death, you will receive a certificate for burial or cremation, often called the "green

form."

5. Arrange the funeral

You will need to give the green form to your chosen funeral director, crematorium, or burial authority.

The funeral cannot usually take place until this has been provided.

Is there support is available after a Bereavement?

Losing someone important can be overwhelming. Remember that bereavement is a personal journey. There

is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone experiences loss differently. Support is available if you need

it from:

Your GP Practice

Your GP Practice can provide information, support, and guidance during the bereavement process.

Even if the Coroner becomes involved, your GP Practice can help explain what is happening, answer

questions, and direct you to other sources of support.

GP teams are committed to treating every family with compassion, respect, and understanding at a difficult

time.

Social Prescribing

Social Prescribers can help connect you with:

• Local bereavement services

• Community support groups

• Practical help and advice

• Wellbeing and social activities

Ask your GP Practice about local social prescribing services and self-referral options.

Bereavement Support Organisations

Cruse Bereavement Support

• Provides bereavement support, counselling and online information for adults, children, and young

people.

Helpline: 0808 808 1677

Marie Curie

• Offers information and support for families affected by terminal illness, end-of-life care, and

bereavement.

Support Line: 0800 090 2309, Email: support@mariecurie.org.uk, Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk

Age UK

• Provides advice, information, and support for older people coping with loss and bereavement.

Advice Line: 0800 678 1602, From 8am–7pm, 365 days a year, Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

If You Need Urgent Help

If you are struggling to cope, are worried about your mental health, or feel unable to keep yourself safe, seek

help immediately.

Urgent support is available through:

• NHS 111 (select the mental health option)

• Local mental health crisis services eg. NHS Mental Health Crisis Line (Surrey and North East Hampshire). 0800 915 4644 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

• Emergency services (999) if there is an immediate risk to life

Additional Information

How does the GP Decide what happens next?

One of the first things the GP considers is whether the death was expected or unexpected. An expected

death is usually one where the person had a known illness and was receiving medical care for that condition.

In many cases, the GP can complete the death certificate, and no further action is required.

When does the Coroner become involved?

Sometimes the GP is unable to issue a death certificate and is legally required to refer the death to the

Coroner. This may happen when:

• The cause of death is unclear

• The death was sudden or unexpected

• Certain legal requirements apply

• There is not enough information to complete the death certificate

What does the Coroner do?

The Coroner is an independent judicial officer who investigates certain deaths to establish the facts.

Once a death has been referred, the Coroner decides what happens next. In many cases, the information is

reviewed and no further investigation is needed. Sometimes the Coroner may:

• Request additional information

• Arrange a post-mortem examination

• Carry out further investigations

Any investigation is conducted professionally and respectfully, and families are kept informed throughout the

process.

Will Coroner involvement cause delays?

Coroner involvement can sometimes delay the completion of paperwork and funeral arrangements.

These delays are outside the GP Practice's control and cannot usually be shortened.

They are necessary to ensure that the circumstances of the death are fully understood and that all legal

requirements are met.