When Someone Dies: What to Do Next

We would like to offer our sincere condolences if you have recently lost someone. We understand that this is an extremely difficult time, and we hope the following information helps explain the steps involved after someone passes away.

If someone dies at home or in a care home and the death is expected

When a death is expected, the process for completing the necessary paperwork depends on the circumstances and the patient’s recent medical care.

The GP who was responsible for the patient’s care during their final illness will usually be involved in the process. We will do our best to ensure the necessary arrangements are made as promptly as possible. However, there may occasionally be delays, for example, if the relevant GP is away from the practice.

What happens before a death can be registered?

Before a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be completed, the cause of death must be reviewed in accordance with the statutory process.

The GP will liaise with the Medical Examiner, an independent doctor who reviews the circumstances and proposed cause of death. The Medical Examiner may also review the patient’s medical records to help understand the circumstances surrounding their death.

In some cases, the death may need to be referred to the Coroner for further investigation. This may include consideration of a post-mortem examination or an inquest.

These processes must be completed before the death can be registered and may occasionally take additional time. We appreciate how difficult waiting can be for families and will do our best to keep the process moving.

How will I know when I can register the death?

Once the necessary reviews have been completed and the relevant documentation has been sent to the Registrar, you will be informed that you can proceed with registering the death.

Although you may have been advised that a death must be registered within five days, there are circumstances in which the process takes longer. Please do not worry if this happens; the registration process takes account of the time required to complete the necessary formalities.

Please do not book a death registration appointment until you have been advised that the necessary documentation has been completed and sent to the Registrar.

Registering a death in Buckinghamshire

You will need to arrange an appointment with the Registrar to register the death.

You can find information about the process and book an appointment online:

• Register a death – Buckinghamshire Council
• Find a register office – Buckinghamshire Council

For enquiries, you can contact Buckinghamshire Registration Services on 0300 131 6000.

If someone dies at home unexpectedly

If someone dies unexpectedly at home, call 999 if the death may be sudden or unexplained and emergency assistance is needed. If you are unsure what to do, call 111 for advice.

An unexpected death may need to be referred to the Coroner, who investigates certain deaths where the cause is unknown or the circumstances require further investigation. This may involve a post-mortem examination or an inquest.

These investigations can take time, and funeral arrangements may need to be delayed until the necessary procedures have been completed.

If someone dies in hospital

The hospital team will guide you through the next steps and explain the arrangements for the medical certificate and other necessary documentation.

The hospital will also advise you about the arrangements for the deceased person and when they can be released to the funeral director. The hospital’s bereavement team can provide further support and guidance during this time.

If someone dies abroad

If someone dies abroad, the death will usually need to be registered with the local authorities in the country where it occurred.

You can also contact the British consular authorities for advice about the procedures, documentation and arrangements for bringing the person home, if required.

Further information is available from GOV.UK – What to do when someone dies abroad.

We are here to help

We recognise that dealing with practical arrangements following a bereavement can be overwhelming. We hope this information provides some reassurance and helps you understand what happens next.

If you have any questions about the process or need further guidance, please contact the practice and we will do our best to assist you.