ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU
When someone passes away, it can be difficult to know what steps need to be taken, particularly if it is unexpected. Middleton & Wood Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day to provide you with support and guidance on 01543 677494.
When a death occurs at home
If someone passes away at home, the first this thing to do is contact their doctor. The doctor will attend to verify the death and provide you with a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This must be done before we can attend your home and take your loved one into our care at our funeral home.
When a death occurs in a hospital, hospice or care home
If someone has passed away in hospital, the nurses or bereavement office will manage and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You will need to advise them that we are your chosen funeral directors and we will liaise with them to arrange to bring your loved one into our care at our funeral home.
Coroners
If the doctor is unsure about the cause of death then they will report it to a coroner. A post-mortem may then be needed to ascertain the cause before a medical certificate is issued. There are many reasons why a death will be referred to HM Coroner. The most common reasons will be:
In this instance, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will not be issued. The registration of the death will be made directly from the HM Coroner’s office to the registrars. This will only happen once the HM Coroner has deemed cause of death. The coroner will be in contact with you during this time. You will need to advise them that we are your chosen funeral directors and we will liaise with them to arrange to bring your loved one into our care at our funeral home.
When a death occurs abroad
Should your loved one die abroad and need to be repatriated to the UK, we can help and advise you on the processes involved within the UK and overseas.
It is a requirement of the Births and Deaths Registration Regulations 1953 that all deaths are registered within 5 days of the death. This period may be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the Coroner is involved.
Who can register a death?
The death can be registered by:
To register you will take the medical certificate, with the patient's medical card (if available), birth certificate and marriage certificate to the registrars.
The death should be registered at a Register Office within the area where the deceased passed away and you will be issued documents. A link to local registrars and their contact information can be found on our page Local Registrars
When the death is registered the informant must be prepared to give the registrar the following particulars relating to the deceased:
It is also advisable to take with you your passport or driving licence as a proof of identification.
Documents received from the Registrar
We do advise to request multiple copies so that you can close bank accounts, insurance policies etc.
We're always here for you
When you feel the time is right you can contact us on 01543 677494 and or use our contact form.
We offer a 24 hour service, 365 days a year so rest assured we are always here for you.