In the UK, when someone dies at home, the immediate steps depend on whether the death was expected or unexpected. If the death was expected, you should contact the person’s GP or NHS helpline (111) to verify the death and obtain a medical certificate. In case of an unexpected death, you must call 999 immediately for emergency services.
Death at Home
When someone dies at home, the immediate steps depend on whether the death was expected or unexpected. For expected deaths, such as those resulting from a terminal illness, you should contact the deceased person’s GP or the NHS helpline (111) to verify the death and obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This process may vary slightly depending on the time of day:
- During daytime hours, call the GP’s office directly.
- At night, contact NHS 111 for guidance, or wait until morning to call the GP.
Once the death is verified, you can contact a funeral director to arrange for the collection of your loved one. It’s important to note that there’s no immediate rush to have the deceased taken to the undertakers, allowing time for family and friends to gather and pay their respects.
For unexpected deaths:
- Call emergency services (999) immediately.
- The operator will provide instructions and determine if resuscitation should be attempted.
- Paramedics will either attempt resuscitation or confirm the death.
In cases of unexpected death, the police will likely be involved, and the body may be taken into the Coroner’s care for further investigation. This process can delay funeral arrangements until the cause of death is established.
Regardless of the circumstances, if you’re not the next of kin or a close relative, ensure they are notified as soon as possible. It’s also crucial to be aware that some deaths, even if they appear natural, may require a coroner’s investigation. In such cases, the police may need to be involved as part of the coroner’s process, even if the death was expected.
Remember that verifying a death is different from certifying it. A medical examiner, who is a senior doctor not involved in the person’s care, will review the cause of death before it can be officially registered. This additional step helps ensure accuracy in determining and recording the cause of death.
Verification of Death Process
The verification of death process is a crucial step following a person’s passing at home. A trained healthcare professional, typically a GP, registered nurse, or paramedic, must confirm the death by performing specific checks. This process, also known as ‘confirmation of death’ in Scotland, involves examining the body for signs of life. If the death occurs outside normal GP hours, you should contact NHS 111 for guidance on arranging verification.
Once death is verified, a form is completed that allows the funeral director to collect the deceased. It’s important to note that verification of death is distinct from certification of death, which involves determining and documenting the cause of death. After verification, a medical examiner, who is a senior doctor not involved in the person’s care, will review the cause of death before it can be officially registered.
Unexpected Death Protocols
When an unexpected death occurs at home, specific protocols must be followed:
- Call emergency services (999) immediately.
- Do not disturb the scene, except for any resuscitation attempts.
- Paramedics will either attempt resuscitation or confirm the death.
- Police will be notified and may arrange for a funeral director to collect the body on behalf of the coroner.
The death will likely be reported to the coroner to establish the cause. This may lead to a post-mortem examination or inquest, potentially delaying the funeral arrangements. During this process, it’s crucial to cooperate with authorities and await further instructions before proceeding with any funeral plans.
Role of the Coroner
The coroner plays a crucial role in investigating certain types of deaths, particularly those that are sudden, unexpected, or unnatural. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Determining who died and the circumstances of their death.
- Investigating deaths where the cause is unknown, thought to be unnatural, or where an inquiry is needed.
- Ordering post-mortem examinations when necessary to establish the cause of death.
- Holding inquests for deaths that remain unexplained or occurred in custody.
Coroners are independent judicial officers who act on behalf of the Crown. They work with a team of coroner’s officers to gather information, which may involve obtaining witness statements and medical records. If the coroner determines that a death was due to natural causes and no further investigation is required, they can issue the necessary paperwork for the death to be registered. However, in cases where the cause of death remains unclear or suspicious, the coroner may order a post-mortem examination or open an inquest to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Legal Documentation Requirements
When someone dies at home, several legal documents are required to properly register the death and proceed with funeral arrangements. The most crucial document is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which must be issued by a doctor. This certificate includes essential information such as the deceased’s name, age, place of death, and the official cause of death.
Once the MCCD is obtained, you must register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) of being contacted by the medical examiner’s office. To register the death, you’ll need to provide additional information and documents, including:
- The deceased’s NHS number.
- Birth certificate (if available).
- Full name and any other names they used.
- Date and place of birth.
- Last known address.
- Occupation.
- Details of any pensions or allowances from public funds.
- If married, the full name and occupation of their spouse.
After registering the death, you’ll receive a certificate for burial or cremation, often referred to as the ‘green form.’ This document is essential and must be given to the funeral director or crematorium before the funeral can take place.
It’s advisable to obtain multiple copies of the death certificate, as you’ll need these when dealing with the deceased’s financial affairs. These certificates can be purchased at the time of registration. The Tell Us Once service, available in some areas, can help reduce the number of death certificates required by notifying multiple government departments simultaneously.
For unexpected deaths or those with unclear causes, additional documentation may be required. The coroner might order a post-mortem examination or inquest, which could delay the issuance of necessary documents and, consequently, funeral arrangements.
Remember that while anyone can declare a person dead, only a doctor can certify the cause of death by issuing the MCCD. This distinction is crucial in understanding the legal process following a death at home.
Summary: What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
When a death occurs at home, the necessary steps depend on whether it was expected or unexpected. For expected deaths, contact the GP or NHS 111 to verify the death and obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Unexpected deaths require calling 999 immediately. Paramedics and police may become involved, and the coroner might investigate further if the cause of death is unclear.
Verification of death is distinct from certification, with healthcare professionals confirming the passing and a doctor determining the cause of death. Legal documentation, including the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, is essential for registering the death and proceeding with funeral arrangements. Delays may occur if the coroner needs to investigate.
In both cases, ensuring the next of kin is notified and cooperating with authorities is crucial. Families are encouraged to take their time to gather and make arrangements, with support available from funeral directors and services like the Tell Us Once program.
