What To Do If Someone Dies
It is a legal requirement for a doctor to confirm that someone has passed away. If a doctor has recently seen the patient and the death was not unexpected, a death certificate can normally be issued.
However, in the event of an unexpected death, the doctor will need to notify the coroner.
If Death Occurs At Home:
- Telephone the doctor. They will visit to confirm death has taken place.
- Contact a funeral director to inform them that their services will be required.
- Collect the medical certificate from the practice (you will be told when this is available for collection). This will not be possible if it necessary to involve the coroner.
If Death Occurs In Hospital:
- Contact a funeral director to inform them that their services will be required.
- Collect the medical certificate from the hospital.
Then.... The death needs to be registered at the Register Office for the area in which the death took place. If possible, this should be done by a close family member who should take with them the medical certificate (get extra copies as these will be needed for closing bank accounts etc), NHS card, pension book and birth certificate (if possible).
It is our practice policy for a doctor within the practice to visit or contact the family home following a bereavement.