What Happens When Someone Dies?
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to take when someone dies.
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional experience. At Bate and Holland, we aim to provide support and guidance during this difficult time. We have been serving the communities of St Helens and Wigan for many years, offering compassionate funeral services tailored to each family’s needs. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to take when someone dies, including who to contact, how to register a death in the UK, who to notify, and how to arrange a funeral.
Immediate Steps to Take:
When someone passes away, there are several immediate steps you need to take, depending on where the death occurs:
If the person passes away at home, and their death was expected, you should contact their general practitioner (GP) or the healthcare professional who was attending to them. They will provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If you are unsure who to call, contact their GP's office or the non-emergency NHS number 111 for guidance.
If the person dies in a hospital, the medical staff will take care of the necessary arrangements. They will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and guide you on the next steps.
In the unfortunate event of an unexpected death, you should call the emergency services immediately by dialling 999. The police and paramedics will attend the scene, and they will guide you on further steps.
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Registering a Death in the UK
To register a death, you will need to make an appointment at the local Register Office. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Find the Nearest Register Office
To locate the nearest Register Office to you, visit the government website (www.gov.uk/register-offices) or contact your local council. You may need to register the death in the area where it occurred.
Arrange an Appointment
Call the Register Office to schedule an appointment for registering the death. Ensure you have all the necessary information and documents before the appointment.
Gather the Required Information and Documents
When attending the appointment, you should have the following information about the deceased:
- Full name, including any previous or maiden names
- Date and place of birth
- Last known address
- Occupation (if applicable)
- Details of their spouse or civil partner (if applicable)
Additionally, it is helpful to bring the following documents:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by a doctor)
- Any documents related to the deceased's pension or benefits
Attend the Appointment
Arrive at the Register Office at the scheduled time. The registrar will guide you through the registration process, ask for the necessary details, and issue you with the following documents: Certificate for Burial or Cremation (also known as the Green Form). This form allows the funeral to take place. Certificate of Registration of Death (Form BD8), which you may need for notifying various organisations.
Notifying Relevant Parties:
Informing the appropriate organisations and individuals about the death is an essential step. Here is a list of individuals and institutions you may need to contact:
HM Revenue and Customs, Department for Work and Pensions, and the local council. They will guide you on matters related to taxes, benefits, and administrative affairs.
Banks, building societies, and insurance companies. Notify them of the death and inquire about necessary procedures for closing or transferring accounts.
Gas, electricity, water, and telephone providers. Update them about the change in circumstances and discuss any necessary changes to the accounts.
If the deceased was employed or receiving a pension, inform their employer or pension provider to discuss matters such as outstanding pay, pension entitlements, and any death benefits.
Notify the deceased's GP and any relevant healthcare providers to update their records.
Notify any professional organisations, clubs, or subscriptions the deceased was associated with.
Arranging a Funeral:
Planning a funeral involves many decisions. Bate and Holland Funeral Directors can guide you through this process, offering various services and options tailored to your preferences and cultural or religious traditions. Reach out to us, and we will assist you with:
- Choosing a burial or cremation service
- Selecting a suitable casket or urn
- Arranging transportation for the deceased
- Coordinating with religious or spiritual leaders
- Organising the funeral ceremony and any additional services
- Providing support and guidance throughout the entire process
We understand that this is a challenging time, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Bate and Holland Funeral Directors are committed to providing compassionate and professional assistance to families in St Helens and Wigan. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require our services.
Meaningful Celebrations of Life
We understand that losing a loved one can be an incredibly difficult time, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the funeral process with care and professionalism.
(Direct Unattended Funeral)
- Collection of your loved one from place of passing / hospital
- Preparation and dressing
- Simple lined & fitted coffin
- Professional fees
- Transportation to crematorium / cemetery
(Non-Ceremonial Funeral)
- Collection of your loved one from place of passing / hospital
- Preparation and dressing
- Choice of 2 beautifully lined & fitted coffins
- Professional fees
- Option to have time in our private chapel of repose
- Non-ceremonial transportation to crematorium / cemetery
(Hearse Only Funeral)
- Collection of your loved one from place of passing / hospital
- Hygienic treatment
- Preparation and dressing
- Choice of 3 beautifully lined & fitted coffins
- Time in our private chapel of repose
- Professional fees
- Hearse transportation to the crematorium / cemetery
(Hearse + 1 Limousine Funeral)
- Collection of your loved one from place of passing / hospital
- Hygienic treatment
- Preparation and dressing
- Choice of 4 beautifully lined & fitted coffins
- Time in our private chapel of repose
- Professional fees
- Hearse transportation to the crematorium / cemetery
- 1 x limousine to seat up to 7 mourners
How Much Will the Funeral Cost?
With our funeral packages, the total cost of the funeral will be the package cost, plus disbursements. Fill out our funeral cost calculator to get a more accurate idea of how much the funeral will cost. If you have any questions please get in touch.
