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What to Do When Someone Passes Away: A Guide from Greater Manchester Direct Cremations

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. It’s essential to understand the necessary steps and be aware of the new regulations introduced to ensure everything is handled with care and compliance. As of 9th September 2024, new UK regulations regarding the certification of death have been implemented. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when someone passes away under these updated guidelines

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Notify the Relevant Authorities

At Home: If the death occurs at home, you should contact the deceased’s GP or call 111 if it’s outside of regular hours. They will advise you on the next steps and guide you on who needs to be notified.

In a Hospital or Care Home: If the death happens in a hospital or care home, the staff will generally manage this process and direct you on what to do next.

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Contact a Funeral Director

After the death has been reported, the next step is to contact a funeral director to start making arrangements. Funeral directors can provide support and advice, helping you with the necessary steps and paperwork during this difficult time.

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Death Certification Review Process

With the new regulations, a Medical Examiner will review the circumstances of the death before issuing a death certificate. Here’s what to expect:

Medical Examiner’s Role: A Medical Examiner will review medical records and consult with the attending doctor. They will decide whether the death certificate
can be signed by the doctor or if a coroner’s involvement is required.

Doctor or Coroner Decision: The Medical Examiner will determine if the attending doctor can sign the death certificate or if a coroner needs to be involved. This process ensures that deaths are accurately certified and that any requiring further investigation are appropriately referred.

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Registering the Death

Once the death certificate is signed, the death must be registered. In England and Wales, this should be done within five days (eight days in Scotland). To register the death, you will need

  • A medical certificate stating the cause of death.
  • Personal details of the deceased, including full name, date, and place of birth, last address, and occupation.
  • Information about the spouse or civil partner, if applicable.
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Arranging the Funeral

After registering the death, you can proceed with funeral arrangements. Your funeral director will help you plan the service, whether it’s a cremation, burial, or other ceremony. They will ensure all legal requirements are met and that the service respects the wishes of the deceased and their family.

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Handling Legal and Financial Matters

Notifying Institutions: Contact banks, insurance companies, utility providers, and other relevant organisations to inform them of the death. You may need to provide copies of the death certificate.

Wills and Probate: If the deceased left a will, get in touch with the executor to start the probate process. If there isn’t a will, the estate will be handled according to intestacy laws.

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Seek Support

The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or professional grief counsellors. Many organisations offer bereavement support services to help you during this difficult time.

Summary

With the new regulations effective from 9th September 2024, involving a Medical Examiner ensures that all deaths are reviewed and certified appropriately. Knowing what steps to take when someone passes away can help manage this difficult time more smoothly, ensuring that all legal and administrative processes are carried out with care and respect. For additional guidance, consult a funeral director or legal advisor.

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Involvement of the Coroner

A coroner may decide that further investigation is necessary to determine the cause of death. This could include a post-mortem examination or CT scan. A coroner's involvement may be required in cases such as

  • The cause of death is unknown

  • The deceased was not seen by a doctor during their final illness

  • The death was sudden and unexplained

  • The doctor did not see the deceased within 14 days before death or immediately after.

  • Death occurred during an operation or under anaesthesia

  • The death was caused by an industrial injury or disease

  • The circumstances were violent, unnatural, or suspicious

  • Death occurred due to violence, neglect, abortion, or poisoning.

If a post-mortem or CT scan shows the death was due to natural causes, the coroner will send the necessary paperwork to the register office. If an inquest is required, the death cannot be registered until the inquest concludes. An interim death certificate will be issued for immediate
needs, such as managing banking arrangements, and the funeral director will receive the necessary forms to proceed with funeral arrangements.

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Registering the Death

The death must be registered at the local register office in the district where it occurred. You will need to make an appointment in advance.

The following people can register the death

  • A relative present at the time of death

  • A relative during the deceased’s final illness

  • A person present at the time of death

  • The person responsible for funeral arrangements (not the funeral director)

  • The occupier of the premises where the death occurred.

To register the death, you will need

  • A medical certificate of the cause of death (sent directly if the coroner is involved)

  • Additional documents like a driving license, medical card, birth certificate, passport, and marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)

Information required includes

  • Date and place of death

  • Last address of the deceased

  • Full name and surname of the deceased (including maiden name if applicable)

  • Date and place of birth of the deceased (birth certificate is helpful but not mandatory)

  • Occupation of the deceased

  • Full name, date of birth, and occupation of the deceased’s spouse or civil partner (if applicable)

  • Information about any state pension or benefits received by the deceased

Upon registration, the registrar will issue

  • A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form), either printed or emailed directly to the funeral director

  • A Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8) for use with pension or benefits agencies

  • Copies of the Death Certificate for use with wills, insurance policies, bank accounts, and private pension schemes (charges may apply)

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Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service simplifies the process of notifying various government departments and local council services about a death. Once you provide the necessary information to the registrar, the Tell Us Once service will handle notifications on your behalf, including

  • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

  • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

  • Passport Office

  • Local council services (e.g., council tax, housing benefits)

This service helps reduce the administrative burden during a difficult time and ensures that essential records are updated.

Additional Contacts to Consider

  • Car Insurance

    Update the policy, as you are not legally insured to drive if it’s in the deceased's name.

  • Social Services/District Nurses

    Return any equipment

  • Doctor and Hospital

    Cancel any future appointments.

  • Employer or Professional Association

    Notify as needed.

  • Inland Revenue and Social Security

    Complete required forms to cancel payments.

  • Local Council

    Cancel any housing or council tax benefits.

  • Utilities and Post Office

    Notify providers and arrange for mail redirection.

  • Banks, Building Societies, and Credit Card Companies

    Close or amend accounts.

  • Life Assurance and Pension Providers

    Notify to update or close accounts.

  • Store Cards and Memberships

    Cancel or transfer as necessary.

  • House and Contents Insurance

    Update policyholder details.

  • Mortgage Provider/Landlord

    Notify of any changes needed.

  • Other Personal Contacts

    Dentist, optician, mobile phone provider, broadband provider.

By following these steps, you can ensure that all necessary arrangements are handled with care and respect, allowing you to focus on grieving and remembering your loved one.

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Useful Numbers

Here’s a list of useful contacts for hospitals, registrars, coroners, and grief charities across Greater Manchester. These contacts provide support and information to help you through this difficult time.

Hospitals in Greater Manchester

Manchester Royal Infirmary
Salford Royal Hospital
Royal Oldham Hospital
Bolton Royal Hospital
Wythenshawe Hospital

Registrar Offices in Greater Manchester

Manchester City Registrar
Salford City Registrar
Oldham Registrar Office
Bolton Registrar Office
Stockport Registrar Office

Greater Manchester Coroner’s Offices

Manchester City Coroner's Office
Salford and Bolton Coroner's Office
Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury Coroner's Office
Stockport, Tameside, and Trafford Coroner's Office

Local and National Grief Charities

Cruse Bereavement Support
The Good Grief Trust
Bereavement Support Greater Manchester (BMSG)
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
Mind - Mental Health Charity
Child Bereavement UK

These contacts provide the necessary support, information, and guidance needed during a time of loss. Whether you are dealing with immediate practicalities or seeking emotional support, these resources are here to help