We know how disorientating dealing with the passing of a loved one can be.

Below are things to consider and key steps you should take after a death. If this is all a bit overwhelming and you would prefer to talk to someone, our help and support is available 24 hours 7 days a week ready to guide you through the process.

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When a death occurs

When a loved one dies the first point of contact should be to the GP of the deceased. They will certify the death and provide a Medical Certificate of Death. Once certified by the doctor please call us, we provide a 24 hour, round the clock service and will bring your loved one in to our care.

What is a medical certificate?

A Medical Certificate of Death records the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual. It details the cause of death but also often includes other information, such as the date and location of death. It’s often confused with the Death Certificate. You can find out more here

An unexpected death

When a loved one dies suddenly, a coroner will become involved in order to confirm the cause of death. This process would usually take around a week in which time a certificate is issued to the registrar. At this stage please call us and we will liaise with the coroner to arrange the collection of your loved one.

What is a coroner and what do they do?

A coroner will investigate the cause of death, if someone has died unexpectedly. An emergency doctor or the police will make contact in this instance. In some cases a post-mortem will need to take place and in this case they do not need to ask the next of kin’s permission. You can find out more here

Registering a death

The registration of a death is provided by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. When someone dies at home, the death should be registered at the register office of the local council. If a death taken place in hospital or in a nursing home, it must be registered at the register office for the district in which the hospital or home is situated. We have provided links to both South Gloucestershire and Bristol City council’s advice pages where you are able to book appointments.

A timeline of what to
expect after a loved one dies

Day 1

If your loved one has died at home or in a nursing home their GP would have issued a Medical Certificate with a cause of death (timing will vary if the cause of death is unknown or happens in a hospital). Once you have this you will be able to call us and our team, we will come and collect your loved one day or night.

Day 2-5

In England and Wales you must register a death within 5 days. You will need to go to the register office in the local council where the death occurred. You will be required to bring the Medical Certificate also documents such as birth certificate and passport. A second GP nominated by your loved ones GP/last doctor to see the deceased alive will visit our directorship.

Day 5-7

you will need to start making arrangement for the funeral if you haven’t already. This can be completed at our premise; alternatively our Funeral arranger can visit you in the comfort of your own home. Our Funeral arranger will advise and help you through all the relevant documents required and assist you with things finer details such as type of coffin, transport, travel arrangements and 3rd party costs for example flowers and stationary.

Day 7+

if you are the executor of the will you will be responsible for of the estate of the deceased, this will mean getting in contact with utility companies, banks, their employer and Royal Mail to make them aware of the death.

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Continued support

Once you’re loved one is in our care we will be there for you. Supporting our community is our number one priority. We offer a number of services to help you through the grieving process including mental wellbeing audio guides, bereavement counselling, peer support and relaxation/mindfulness guides. Please do not hesitate to pop in or call us.

We are here when you need us

1 Coniston Road,
Patchway,
Bristol,
BS34 5PA

T: 01179 470 776 info@graham-palmer.co.uk