In Times of Bereavement

In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are three things that must be done in the first few days;

What to Do When Someone Passes Away – Helpful Guidance

Losing a loved one is never easy, and we understand this can be an overwhelming time. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the first steps.

1. Getting a Medical Certificate
You’ll need a medical certificate that states the cause of death. This is usually provided by:

A GP or hospital doctor
In some cases, the Medical Examiner’s Office
Sometimes, the Coroner (if further investigation is needed)

What is the Medical Examiner System?
All deaths are now reviewed by a Medical Examiner—an independent doctor who checks that everything is correct and properly recorded. They work with the Coroner if the cause of death is unclear or a post-mortem is needed.
Please note: The certificate can only be issued once the Medical Examiner confirms the details.

2. Registering the Death
Once you have the certificate, the death must be registered:

Within 5 days (or 8 days in Scotland)
If the Coroner is involved, registration happens after their approval

You can register the death with your local Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
You do not need to wait for a post-mortem if the Medical Examiner has completed the paperwork.

Who can register the death?

• A family member
• Someone present at the death
• A hospital administrator
• The person arranging the funeral

For step-by-step guidance, visit:
👉 Register a Death – gov.uk
Local Medical Examiner Contact (Greenwich & Lewisham):
📞 020 8333 3000

3. Arranging the Funeral
Once the death is registered, you can make funeral arrangements.
You can:

Use a funeral director
Arrange the funeral yourself through your local council’s Cemeteries and Crematorium Department

Choosing a Funeral Director:
Look for one who is a member of:

• National Association of Funeral Directors
• National Federation of Funeral Directors
• Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors

These organisations follow strict codes of practice and provide clear pricing.

Funeral Costs:
Costs usually include:

• Funeral director fees
• Third-party costs (e.g., crematorium or cemetery fees, newspaper notices)
• Local authority burial or cremation fees

Your funeral director should give you a full breakdown of costs.

If you need help or have questions, please contact the Medical Examiner’s Office or your local services. We’re here to support you during this difficult time.