Help & Guidance
The days following bereavement can be difficult and confusing. We have put together a simple guide to help you understand the next steps and what legal requirements you will need to do.
What To Do When Someone Dies?
Losing a loved one is an emotional and overwhelming experience, and knowing what steps to take next can bring some clarity during a difficult time. Whether the death occurs at home, in a hospital, or in a care setting, certain procedures must be followed.
If Someone Passes Away at Home
You will need to contact their GP surgery or call 111 for the out of hours doctors. The attending doctor will verify the death.
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Once the death has been verified, you can contact us as your chosen funeral directors. The GP will contact the Medical Examiner who will contact you to discuss the cause of death. They will email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registrars within the following days. Once the registrar is in receipt of this certificate they will contact you to make an appointment to register the death. The death must be registered within the jurisdiction of where the death occurred.
If Someone Passes Away in Hospital
The bereavement office will arrange for the Medical Examiner to contact you to discuss the cause of death.
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The Medical Examiner will email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registrars within the following days. Once the registrar is in receipt of this certificate they will contact you to make an appointment to register the death. The death must be registered within the jurisdiction of where the death occurred.
If Someone Passes Away at a Nursing/Care Home
The Nursing Staff will inform a doctor who will attend the nursing home to verify the death. Either you or a staff member will then contact us as your nominated Funeral Directors.
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You will need to contact the GP Surgery who will contact the Medical Examiner who will contact you to discuss the cause of death. They will then email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registry office in the following days. Once the registrar is in receipt of this certificate they will contact you to make an appointment to register the death. The death must be registered within the jurisdiction of where the death occurred.
Registration of a Death
You will need to provide:
The Death Certificate
This will be emailed to the registry office by doctor.
Full Name
Date and Place of Birth
Occupation
Or former occupation if retired.
If the deceased is a married woman, you will also need:
Maiden Name
Husband’s Full Name & Occupation
You will be issued with:
A White Certificate
For the Department of Social Security.
A Green Certificate
This can be emailed to Gaunts of Kidderminster.
Local Registry Offices
Here are the contact details for local registry offices where you can register a death in the Worcestershire area
Kidderminster Registration Office
Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF
01905 768181
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Worcestershire Registration Office
County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP
01905 768181
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Redditch Registration Office
29 Easemore Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 8ER
01905 768181
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Who Can Register A Death?
A close relative of the deceased
A relative in attendance during the last illness
A relative in the district where the death occurred
A person who was present at the time of death
The person arranging the funeral
Information Required By Registrar
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death - this will be sent to the registrar directly by the Medical Examiner
Full name of deceased including any aliases and maiden names
The deceased’s date and place of birth
Birth certificate, if possible
The usual residence of the deceased
Their occupation, and their husband’s occupation (if applicable)
The date and place of death
Certificates Issued By The Registrar
The Registrars Certificate for Cremation or Burial (a green certificate that we need at the funeral home – this can be emailed directly from the registry office).
The Death Certificate – This is a copy of the entry into the register. We advise you obtain sufficient copies of the death certificate for insurance companies, banks etc. There is a small fee to be paid for additional copies.
H.M Coroner
If the deceased hasn’t seen their usual doctor for over 14 days, the death may be reported to the coroner. A death may also be referred to the coroner if there are any suspicious circumstances.
There are a number of different options The Coroner may take and they will liaise with and support you throughout their investigation. Depending on their action the procedure of Registration and Documentation is somewhat different.
The GP Doctor will not need to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, instead the Coroner will inform you where and when to register the death and they will send any information to the registrars in advance. You can still contact us whilst any investigation is taking place, we can help advise and assist you and go through any questions you may have or Funeral Arrangements you wish to make.
We’re Here When You Need Us
To discuss your requirements contact us on…
01562 541062
Or click on the button below to fill out a form on our website.
Contact Us
Whether you have questions or want to talk things through, we're here for you.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*24 hours a day, 365 days a year, phoneline available on 07976 082 203
Our Office
1, Lupin Works, Worcester Rd, Kidderminster DY10 1JR
tel. 01562 541 062
email. info@gauntsofkidderminster.co.uk
