What to do when a death occurs
Sometimes a death may be expected, but nothing prepares you for the emotional shock of losing someone close. Knowing what to do next and being confronted with the immense task of having to deal with making the funeral arrangements can be very daunting. We are here to help and guide you throughout the whole of the funeral and beyond, in order that you have no more worry than is absolutely necessary at this difficult time.
When someone dies at home
You must Contact the deceased's Doctor. They or the duty Doctor will visit and confirm that the patient has passed away. You should then contact us (any time, day or night, we are available 24 hrs) to make arrangements for bringing your loved one into our care, to our Chapel of Rest. The Doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, but this may not be available until the next day.
When someone dies at a nursing home
The staff will arrange for a doctor to visit. Once he or she has confirmed the death, the home will contact us to make arrangements for bringing your loved one back into our care to our Chapel of Rest. The Doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, but this may not be available until the next day.
When someone dies in hospital
The doctor, who attended your loved one, will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The Hospital will advise when the certificate is available and you will need to make an appointment to collect it and any personal effects.
When someone dies unexpectedly
If a death is unexpected or the deceased has not been seen by their doctor recently, the coroner may need to be involved. The Coroner's duty is to investigate all sudden and unexpected deaths. This may include a post mortem examination to establish the cause of death and an inquest; we will guide you along with the Coroner's officer at all times through the process.
Registering a death
If following the death, the doctor can certify as to the cause of death, a death certificate will be issued. This certificate is known as 'The Medical Certificate of cause of death'. The death must be registered within 5 days of the death. (if the death is sudden and a doctor has not seen the deceased during the last 14 days, the Coroner may need to be involved. We will advise you along with the Coroner's officer what you need to do).
You will need to make an appointment to register the death and you will need to take the following with you:
-
The medical Certificate of the cause of death.
-
The deceased's medical card, if possible.
-
The deceased's birth and marriage certificates, if available.
The registrar will ask you:
-
The deceased's first names and surname (and the maiden name, where appropriate).
-
The full postal address of the deceased.
-
The deceased's date of birth (town/county if born in the UK, country if born abroad).
-
The place and date of death.
-
The deceased's occupation and name and occupation of their spouse.
-
If the deceased was married, the date and place of birth of the surviving widow or widower.
Upon registration, the Registrar will give you 1. Registrars Certificate for Burial or Cremation (otherwise known as the green form) and we require this for the cemetery or crematorium. 2. Certified Copy of an entry in the Register of Deaths (white form). This certificate is often referred to as the 'Death Certificate' and you may need this for official purposes such as closing bank accounts, Will, pension claims, insurance policies, etc. It is advised that you obtain at least two copies of this certificate, which are £3.50 each. 3. Notification/registration of death BD8, you will require this for the department of work and pensions.
Contacts and Useful Numbers
Registrars
Stowmarket. Milton House, Milton Road South. Tel 01449 612054 ( Appt System ) Map
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 12.30pm. Mon & Thurs 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Ipswich. Rope Walk. Tel 01473 583050 ( Appt System ) Map
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 4.00pm
Bury St Edmunds. St Margarets, 7 The Churchyard. Tel 01284 352373 ( Appt System ) Map
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 4.00pm
Sudbury. 14 Cornard Road. Tel 01787 372904 Map
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri 9.30 -12.30. Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri 2.00 - 4.00pm.
Coroners Office
Ipswich. Tel 01473 613500.
Bury st Edmunds Tel 01284 774167