When someone dies
The first hours after a death can feel disorienting. Here is a calm, plain-language guide to what happens — and what you do not need to think about yet.
If it happens at home
If the death was expected, call your GP or the surgery’s out-of-hours line. They will visit, confirm the death, and arrange the medical certificate. If it was unexpected, ring 999 — they will guide you. There is nothing else you need to do straight away. Sit with whomever you need to sit with.
If it happens in hospital or a care home
The staff will look after the immediate steps. The hospital or home will contact the bereavement office to issue the medical certificate. Once you let us know which setting you are in, we will liaise directly so you do not have to repeat yourself.
When you are ready, call us
You can call us at any hour. The first conversation is short — we just need to know where your loved one is and how to reach you. Everything else can wait.
“There is no right time to ring. Whenever you call, we will pick up.”
What we will do next
We will arrange to bring your loved one into our care, and visit you when it suits — at our office, or your home. From there, we plan together, at your pace.
