Registering a death

• A relative of the deceased, present at the death. • A relative of the deceased, in attendance during the last illness. • A relative of the deceased, residing or being in the sub- district where the death occurred.

• A person present at the death. • The person causing the disposal of the body, for instance the person dealing with the funeral arrangements. If you are registered in the hospital as the next of kin but are not a direct relative of the deceased person, it is important that you declare this information to the Register Office when you are in contact with them as it may affect your ability to legally register the death.

When Patient Affairs has completed all the necessary administration and sent the MCCD to the registrar, they will let you know so that you can contact the Bristol Register Office to register the death.

When you call the register office, they will take some details from you and arrange for a registrar to call you back within a day or so to register the death by telephone.

They will also tell you how to purchase death certificates. Usually this is done online. The certificates cost £11 each and will be sent to you by post once you have purchased them.

The registrar will ask you to provide the following information about the deceased:

• the date and place of death

• full name, surname and maiden name if appropriate

• date and place of birth • occupation • their usual address

• if the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower • whether the deceased was receiving a pension or allowance from public funds This information should be given to the best of your ability. Your name will go on the death certificate as the informant. If there has been a Coroner’s post mortem, you will be told by the Coroner’s Office when you may make the appointment. The nearest Register Office to the hospital is: Bristol Register Office, The Old Council House, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JG Website www.bristol.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages/register-a-death

is:

The Old Council House, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JG

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 4pm Wednesday 10am to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm Saturday 9.45am to 11.45am (by special arrangement only)Patient affairs Bristol Royal Infirmary, BS2 8HW

Bristol Register Office, The Old Council House, Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JG