Times of Bereavement

We understand that bereavement is a very difficult time, and comprehending  and managing formal arrangements can feel overwhelming.

Below is some information we hope you may find useful should you require it. Please do always feel free to contact our patient navigation team who will help you in any way they can.

After Death

When a person dies there are certain legal steps which must be taken to gain formal death registration. A lot of this information happens behind the scenes and you should not need to be involved, however it may help to understand the process.

1. The death is pronounced.
   This will be done by a licensed medical professional. Such as Nursing Home Manager, Paramedic, GP, Hospital ward doctor etc.
2. The death is informed to the GP.
   Once the death is pronounced they will report this death to the patients registered GP practice who will ensure that the patients medical records are accessible to the Medical Examiner Office.
3. The death is reported to the Medical Examiner (ME) by completing the death certification.
   Dependent on where the person is when they die determines who informs the ME. If they die at home the GP will inform the ME by an electronic referral. If they die in hospital the hospital staff will do this. If they die in a respite facility the respite staff will do this. If the person dies in a care home, the care home staff will tell the registered GP and that GP will refer to the ME.
4. The ME is senior doctor who has never been involved in that persons care so that they are completely independent. Their role is to review the death to ensure that the recording is accurate and appropriate, that the death was correctly and lawfully certified and that the families have the opportunity to raise concerns or queries.
5. Thee ME office will contact the bereaved family by contacting the recorded Next Of Kin.
   They will ensure that the family/loved ones understand the process, to see if they have any queries and to record the preferred undertaker service to be used.
6. Once the ME is satisfied with the process they will produce the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), the ME will send the death certificate to the registry office.
7. The registry office will in turn forward the death certificate to the person’s next of kin. They will also advise on what is required for the formal registration of death so that the funeral arrangements may proceed.

Questions which may arise.

When a Coroner is notified?

If a person’s death is unexpected, if the cause of death is unclear or the death follows an accident or injury then the death is reported to the coroner and not the ME (step 3). The GP will do this electronically.
If there is no attending GP. An attending GP is the last GP to have seen the patient before their death. This can occur sometimes in practice. For example if one GP has been managing  a patients care for some time and they are on maternity leave, sick leave etc. It can also happen if they are on annual leave – however – the practice do liaise with the ME to discuss time frames and ensure that the fastest possible route for certificate completion is taken.

If the coroner is involved they will liaise with the ME who will in turn contact the family with updates.

Does the Coroner cause delays?

Usually no. The role of the Coroner and ME usually run alongside the arrangements the family/loved ones make with the funeral directors. If any additional information is required you will be told.

How do I raise concerns?

You can raise concerns with the Medical Examiner – they are in situ and are independent to ensure you have the peace of mind that an independent clinician is managing  the arrangements and reviewing the documentation.

Do I have to talk to the GP Practice?

Not usually. Once death has been notified the practice are informed. The practice should be the first place all agencies inform as it will most likely be them who complete the death certificate. However, if you have any queries or concerns you would like to raise with use please do contact us so that we can support you.

Support

There are many bereavement support services in the local area which patients can access.

Cruse Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677
Understanding grief – Cruse Bereavement Support

Child Bereavement UK – 0800 02 888 40
Child Bereavement UK

HospiceUK – Dying Matters –
Dying Matters Resources | Hospice UK

Sue Ryder – Grief Support Services
Grief support services | Sue Ryder

SANDS – 0808 164 3332
Sands | Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families.

WAY – Widowed & Young – 0300 201 0051
Bereavement Support :: WAY Widowed and Young

St Barnabas Support team – 01903 706341
Our bereavement services – St Barnabas House – support and counselling