What to do when a person dies
News of a loved one’s death can come in a sudden phone call or you may have shared their final moments after a long illness. Whenever the death occurs your first reaction is likely to be one of shock followed by grief. A death usually leaves us feeling numb, bewildered and frightened of what might lie ahead. The shock and grief may at first leave you dazed and unable to think properly. If you are responsible for reporting the death, making funeral arrangements or executing a Will, these tasks may seem overwhelming. There are professional people and services used to dealing with the bereaved who will help you through the process. If a death occurs at home 1. Contact the family doctor In most cases the doctor will issue a ‘Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)’, together with a formal notice stating he or she has signed the certificate. It will also tell you how to register the death with the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
• If the death was sudden, violent or caused by an accident. • If the death was caused by an industrial disease. Under these circumstances the doctor may report the death to the Coroner and a post mortem may need to be arranged. In certain circumstances an Inquest may also need to be held. Please see pages 8-9 for full information on The Coroner’s Service. 2. Contact the police If the death is violent, accidental or there are suspicious circumstances. In these cases the matter will automatically be referred to the Coroner. If a death occurs in hospital The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will be issued by the hospital doctor unless the Coroner needs to be informed.
The hospital will keep the body in the mortuary until arrangements can be made with the funeral director.
There are some cases when the doctor cannot issue the certificate. They include:
• If the deceased was not seen by a doctor during their last illness or within 28 days prior to death. • If the cause of death is uncertain.
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Bereavement Guide
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