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What to do when someone dies

When hit with a sudden loss, it’s not always clear what you should do in the moment, especially if you haven’t been through similar circumstances before. John W Griffith & Son Ltd and our team in Wallasey are here to help, step by step.

Woman holding senior woman's hand on bed

What to do if a death occurs at home

If your loved passes in the comfort of their house, you will need to contact your GP or call for an ambulance. If the death was expected, then the attending doctor will provide a medical certificate stating the cause of death - this will need to be submitted to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If the circumstances are unexpected or the doctor is unsure, then the death must be reported to the coroner and the deceased will need to be taken to hospital and the Coroner informed.

man with white roses at urn funeral

What to do if the death occurs at a hospital

The hospital bereavement office will advise you of its process. The doctor who cared for the deceased will discuss the cause of death with the medical examiner (ME). The ME will then contact your family, at which time you will have the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have. If the hospital has any concerns, the Coroner will contact the family to advise of their process. If there are no issues raised, the doctor will complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which will be sent directly to the registrar. Once received, the registrar will contact you to arrange an appointment to complete the registration process at their office. The deceased will remain in the hospital mortuary until the funeral director is permitted to bring them into their care.

a hospital visitor's hand holds a patient's hand in bed of a hospital ward
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What to do if the death occurs abroad

If somebody dies outside the UK, the death must be registered according to the regulations of that country. The death certificate issued will be used in the UK, but the death must be referred to the Coroner in the UK.

man with white roses at urn funeral

What to do if a death is expected

Call the GP practice, and a doctor or nurse will attend to verify the death. After this, when you have said your goodbyes, you may contact us, and we will arrange to bring the deceased into our care. The doctor will then converse with the medical examiner (ME) to discuss the cause of death. The ME will then contact you, at which time you can raise any concerns you may have. If there are no concerns, the doctor will then issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is usually sent directly to the registrar. Once the registrar has received the MCCD, they will contact you and offer you an appointment at the registrar's office to complete the registration process. 

Religion, death and dolor - couple at funeral consoling each other in view of the loss
Red Rose Memorial

What to do if the death is unexpected

Call 999 immediately. An ambulance and paramedics may attend, and also the Police. The death will then be referred to the Coroner, and their removal team will take the deceased to a hospital mortuary. The Coroner will then contact you and advise whether a post-mortem examination may be necessary, and give advice on registration.

old white fake flower on grave

Helping you move forward

“Provided an amazing service. Respectful, caring and helps the family with loss. Transport to the site of the Burial/Crematorium is also excellent. The Staff are very helpful, and respectful and also give the family many choices on the day of the service e.g. Staying in the chapel after the service has finished.”

- CmdD, Yell reviews

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If you’re struggling to know what move to make next, please call our office in Wallasey.

0151 638 5528

shot of a woman's hand holding rose at a funeral
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