Guidance

What to do when a death occurs

Luckily, for many of us arranging a funeral for a loved one isn’t something we have to do very often throughout our lifetime.
However when we do sadly lose a loved one, this brings about many questions, the first being “what do we do first?”
Grief can be a powerful emotion and the need to think clearly is often difficult to achieve.


After the loss of a loved one, and only when you’re ready to, call CremationSimple.
We are on hand to help you, we will talk you through the steps you need to take in registering a death and obtaining the correct forms needed.


Our experience means that we can take the pressure away from you during your time of grief. 
CremationSimple are available around the clock to help and offer advice and support as questions arise.


Please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you feel able, even if this is outside of normal hours.
We are here to help and assist you with anything you might need


My loved one has died at home

When a death which has been expected occurs at home, the doctor or palliative nurse who has been treating your loved one should be contacted. The Doctor or a colleague will attend to certify the death.


Once the death has been certified contact CremationSimple on 0800 358 7007 and we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

If you are outside the West Midlands we will instruct one of our partnered funeral directors to take your loved one into their care until, this is because quite often the GP will need to complete cremation paperwork and will want to see the deceased prior to completing the paperwork, once the paperwork is completed we will liaise with the funeral director to transfer your loved one into our care at our chapel of rest.

If your loved one has seen their doctor during the last 14 days of their illness a medical certificate should be issued stating the cause of death, this certificate will then need to be taken to The Registrar within 5 days to formally register the death and obtain a death certificate.

My loved one has died in Hospital

When a death occurs in hospital, the staff nurse will arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Death, which you will need to collect along with any belongings.


Contact CremationSimple and we will arrange a suitable time to discuss your requirements and arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

My loved one has died in a nursing home

When a death occurs at a nursing home, the nursing home staff will liaise with the doctor and then contact CremationSimple on 0800 358 7007 to arrange for us to bring your loved one into our care.

My loved one has died unexpectedly.

When someone dies unexpectedly, it is quite normal for the Coroner to be involved, especially if the person who has died has not been under a doctor’s care within the last 14 days.


His Majesty’s Coroner is automatically involved and an investigation is begun. If your loved one has not been under a doctor’s care on a regular basis, the emergency doctor, or any police involved, will inform the relevant Coroner’s office and the on call funeral director who is contracted by the coroner will attend to transfer your loved one to the coroners care.


Your initial contact in the event of an unexpected or suspicious death, should be with the Police, however we are on hand to offer support and advice when you need us.


Once the Coroner informs you that your loved one can now be taken to the funeral directors of your choice, contact CremationSimple and we can arrange for your loved one to brought into our care.


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