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Burials | Coroners | Cremations | Doctors | Exhumation | Funeral directors | Help with funeral expenses from the DSS | Professional Associations | Registration | Repatriation to England or Wales | Repatriation to a foreign country | What to do initially after a death

A doctor will be called initially when a death has occurred. If the death was expected and the doctor is certain of the cause of death he/she will certify the cause of death and issue a Medical Certificate of the Cause Death (it will be in an envelope addressed to the registrar). The doctor will also issue a Formal Notice that states that the doctor has signed the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death.

If the doctor is sure of the cause of death and a cremation is required then he/she will complete Form CR4 of the required papers for a cremation to take place. An independent doctor will be required to complete Form CR5 of the cremation papers. They will probably arrange to do this at another time with the funeral director. If this does happen to be the case the deceased should be moved to the chapel of rest of the funeral director of the family's choice. Fees for completion of these papers are necessary but will initially be paid on your behalf by the funeral director.

If the death was unexpected the following people should be informed:

The family doctor
The next of kin
The police

Once the police are informed the case will become the responsibility of the coroner. The coroner has a number of options, he/she will consult with the doctor and if the doctor is certain of the cause of death the doctor will prepare the necessary papers. If the doctor is unsure of the cause of death then the coroner will be required to conduct an investigation (see section about Coroner).