This page provides a brief overview of the necessary steps to ensure that your loved one receives a prompt burial.
Please speak to your funeral director if you require any additional information.
1) In the event of an expected death
Contact the deceased’s GP or MacMillan/District Nurses who were involved during the final illness.
They will issue a confirmation certificate or Formal Notice of Death, which is different from the Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD).
The attending doctor may be able to issue the MCCD at this stage, especially if they treated the patient within 14 days before death.
If the doctor hasn’t seen the deceased recently, the death must be reported to the Coroner.
2) In the event of an expected death in hospital
If the death occurs in a hospital, the staff will notify the next of kin, with a Formal Notice and MCCD issued by a doctor.
The hospital will keep the body in the mortuary until the next of kin arranges for it to be taken away, and a Certificate for Burial (Green Form) is obtained from the Registrar of Deaths.
As of 1st April 2019, all hospital deaths must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner, who will confirm the cause of death.
3) In the event of an unexpected death
In the event of an unexpected death, immediately call 999.
The ambulance service will confirm the death and issue a Formal Notice.
Afterward, contact a local funeral director to arrange for the deceased’s care.
If the deceased has not been seen by a doctor in the last 14 days, the case will likely be referred to the Coroner, who will handle the cause of death certification.
4) Unexpected Death – Reporting to the Coroner
A doctor may report the death to the Coroner in certain circumstances and the Coroner may request a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
If a post-mortem is required, the next of kin may request a non-invasive procedure (CT or MRI scan).
If natural causes are determined, the Coroner will issue the Pink Form (Form 100), which allows the death to be registered.
5) Registration of Death
Once the MCCD is issued, you should book an appointment at the local registry office.
We advise you inform the office of the deceased’s religious beliefs during registration.
The necessary documents include the MCCD, a form of identification for the deceased (passport or driving licence), and proof of address.
6) What Happens at the Registrar’s Office
When registering the death, you will need to provide the MCCD, the deceased’s identification, and personal details such as the place of birth, last address, and occupation.
The Registrar will issue the Certificate for Burial (Green Form), unless the Coroner has already done so.
7) Funeral Arrangements
Once the necessary documents have been obtained, the burial can be arranged at Essington Cemetery.
You will need either the Certificate for Burial (Green Form) or the Order for Burial (Form 101).
If you require any advice from our team, please speak to your funeral director today.
