What to do when someone dies
When a relative or friend has just died it can be overwhelming and daunting not knowing what to do or who to call first, especially if you have never experienced a bereavement before. Depending on the circumstances, and where the person has died, there are a few different steps to take… If the death was expected (e.g. due to a terminal illness)
the Funeral Director who attended for the funeral. For our
Have they died at home or in a Nursing Home?
local area, the coroner’s designated hospital is Ysbyty Glan
If the death was expected, perhaps due to a terminal illness,
Clwyd. The coroner may request a post-mortem or inquest
a doctor or registered nurse will need to verify the death. You
to determine the cause of death. The coroner will speak to
should call your GP practice, which will divert to the on-call
you about their investigation and will ask you to appoint a
duty doctor if out of hours. The doctor or nurse can take a
Funeral Director if you haven’t already done so.
number of hours to attend. Once the death has been verified, you can contact a Funeral Director when you are ready. You
Have they died abroad or away from home?
may choose to take some time to say your goodbyes before
If someone dies abroad, the death needs to be registered
calling the Funeral Director.
according to the regulations in that country. The death will also need to be registered with the British Embassy to obtain
Have they died in Hospital?
a consulate death certificate. You should let a tour operator or
If someone dies in hospital, you will be contacted by the
resort representative know about the death. If someone died
bereavement team based at the hospital. If the death occurs
while on a ship or plane, you must register the death in the
outside of the bereavement office hours, you can usually
country that the ship or plane is registered to and not where
expect the call to take place the next working day. They
the ship or plane was at the time of death.
will be able to offer practical and emotional support. The bereavement team will ask you if you have a Funeral Director
If you are unclear on what to do next in any of the above
appointed. As the hospital will arrange all of the necessary
situations, we recommend calling your preferred Funeral
paperwork, the Funeral Director cannot usually bring the
Director to ask for advice and guidance. n
person that has died into their care straight away, this means you can take your time to appoint someone. If the death was unexpected
Have they died unexpectedly? For sudden or unexpected deaths, the standard procedure is for the ambulance service to attend to verify the death. Once the paramedics have verified the death, the Police will be asked to attend on behalf of the coroner. The police officer(s) will collect information for the coroner and will then contact a Funeral Director to take the person who has died to a nearby hospital, in the care of the coroner. You may request a Funeral Director or alternatively the police will contact a local Funeral Director to act on their behalf. You do not need to use
Kelly Bowsher is the first female funeral director, and soon to be family member, at Tom Owen and Son – an award-winning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at https://www.tomowenandson.com/
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