We Are Here to Help You

After a Loss 

Following a bereavement

We fully appreciate that this can be an upsetting and confusing time; we would like to reassure you that we are here to assist you and are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have. 

It is not necessary to have the death certificate in your possession before contacting us; we are always here to assist you. The following information may help you understand what to do when bereavement occurs. 

When a death occurs at home

The first contact should be with the family doctor; he will normally call at the house and confirm a death has occurred. When you are ready to allow us to take care of your loved one, simply phone and we will attend the house at a convenient time to you. If the doctor is satisfied as to the cause of death, he or she will issue a medical certificate showing the cause. This may take a couple of days and you will usually have to collect this from the surgery. This will then enable you to register the death and collect the death certificate from the registrar. If you are in any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for immediate advice.

When a death occurs at a nursing home or residential home:

When a person dies in a hospital, or a nursing home, the manager, sister or staff nurse will be there to assist you. You will need to advise them when you are ready for us to take your loved one into our care. The staff will advise you on contacting the doctor to arrange for the medical certificate showing the cause of death to be collected. It is likely that a duty doctor will have attended. This will then enable you to register the death and collect the death certificate from the registrar. If you are in any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for immediate advice. 

When a death occurs at a general hospital:

When a person dies in a general hospital, you will need to make an appointment at the patients’ affairs office to collect the medical certificate showing the cause of death and any personal effects of the deceased. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, upon your instruction, we will be able to take your loved one into our care. This will then enable you to register the death and collect the death certificate from the registrar. If you are in any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for immediate advice. 

When someone dies suddenly:

All sudden deaths must be reported to the coroner. The police usually attend to ensure that there are no suspicious circumstances. The coroner will then decide whether a post-mortem and an enquiry will need to be conducted. When this occurs, the police will ask their own staff to transport the deceased to the local hospital or public mortuary. The choice of the funeral director for the forthcoming service is solely the decision of the family. If you are in any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for immediate advice.