what to do in time of bereavement

Death, whether expected or not, can often occur at home. This page gives some guidance on what to do when this does happen. If you are nursing a relative at home who is terminally ill it would be wise to discuss with the doctor or nurse what steps to take when death occurs. Sometimes death occurs very suddenly and unexpectedly at home. It will be helpful to follow these guidelines:

1. Telephone the doctor (day or night).
2. The doctor will visit to confirm death.
3. If death is unexpected the police will be contacted as a routine requirement.
4. In all other cases the doctor will offer to contact the funeral director of your choice who will then remove the deceased to the chapel of rest.
5. A death certificate will be issued from the doctor's surgery.

When death occurs in hospital:

• Contact funeral director.
• Collect doctor's certificate from hospital.
• Take the death certificate to the registrar’s office for the area in which the death took place (also take deceased’s medical card if available).
  Take the green form to the funeral directors who will take over complete responsibility for arranging the funeral.