If a death occurs in a hospital it is usually expected by the doctors caring for that individual. When this is the case it means the doctor attending the individual will issue a cause of death medical certificate which is used to register the death. The form is usually issued from the bereavement office and can be collected by making an appointment.

There may be occasions when the doctor feels unable to issue a cause of death medical certificate. The case is then referred to the coroner who will decide whether a certificate can be issued or whether further investigation is required.

If further investigation is needed a Post Mortem examination may be ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Once investigations are completed the Coroner will release the individual to the funeral director. In this situation the Coroner will supply the register office with the appropriate paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.

When a death occurs in a nursing home the individuals’ usual doctor or on call doctor is called to confirm death. Once confirmed the family or home staff call the funeral director to then transfer the individual to their care. The late individuals’ usual doctor will issue the cause of death certificate which is normally collected from the surgery in order to register the death.

Again, if the death is unexpected the death may be reported to the Coroner. In this case the police will attend on the Coroners behalf. The Coroners nominated funeral director will be called to transfer the individual to hospital to await further investigations. Once these investigations are completed the coroner will release the individual to the care of the funeral director and supply the register office with the paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.

Please note, you are under no obligation to use the coroners funeral directors for the funeral arrangements and can nominate the funeral director of your choice.

When a death occurs at a private house and is expected the first call is to the normal doctor or duty ‘on call ‘doctor. Only after the doctor has confirmed death can the funeral director bring the individual into their care. The late individuals own doctor will issue the cause of death certificates to the family who can then register the death. These will normally be collected from the surgery.

If the death is unexpected, then the death may be reported to the Coroner. In this instance the Police will attend on the Coroners behalf. The Coroners nominated funeral directors will be called to take the individual to hospital to await further investigation. Once investigations have been completed the Coroner will release the individual into the care of the funeral director and will supply the register office with the appropriate paperwork for the family to attend and register the death.

Please note: you are under no obligation to use the Coroners funeral directors for the funeral arrangements and can nominate the funeral director of your choice.