This page is designed to give you an overview of the necessary steps to ensure that your loved one receives a prompt burial.
Please speak to our team if you require any additional information.
1) In the event of an expected death
If the death was expected, the first step is to contact the deceased’s GP or MacMillan/District Nurses who were involved during the final illness.
They will confirm the death and issue a confirmation certificate or Formal Notice of Death, which is different from the Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD).
In some cases, 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, as explained in section four.
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.
Note: Islam does not permit post-mortems unless legally required.
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.
For prompt release of the body, the next of kin can request prioritisation from the Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s office.
This request should be made by phone or email and will be considered based on religious or cultural needs.
4) Stillborn Babies
If a baby is stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy, a Medical Certificate of Stillbirth will be issued by a doctor or midwife, which is required for registration.
Stillborn babies before 24 weeks are classified as “non-viable foetuses,” and no registration is needed.
Note: For Islamic burials, it is crucial to arrange burial promptly to ensure a Muslim burial rather than a hospital-arranged mass grave burial.
5) Organ Donations
Christians generally support the giving of donations as part of their faith.
However, different schools of thought exist within Islam regarding organ donation.
If you are unsure, t is advised to consult a trusted religious scholar and follow their guidance.
6) Registration of Death
Once the MCCD is issued, you should book an appointment at the local registry office.
It is advisable to inform the office of the deceased’s religion beliefs during registration.
The necessary documents include the MCCD, a form of identification for the deceased (passport or driving licence), and proof of address.
7) Unexpected Death – Reporting to the Coroner
A doctor may report the death to the Coroner in certain circumstances, such as if the cause of death is uncertain, the death was sudden, or if it occurred in custody.
The Coroner may also 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).
8) Unexpected Death – Coroner’s Post-Mortem
The Coroner does not need the family’s consent to perform a post-mortem.
If natural causes are determined, the Coroner will issue the Pink Form (Form 100), which allows the death to be registered.
If the death is suspicious or unclear, further investigation may be required.
9) Unexpected Death – Inquest
An inquest is held to investigate the cause and circumstances of a death, particularly if it was violent or unnatural.
The Coroner may issue an Order for Burial (Form 101) allowing the funeral to proceed even if the inquest is still ongoing.
10) 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.
11) Funeral Arrangements
Once the necessary documents have been obtained, the funeral can be arranged.
A burial cannot take place without 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 us today.
