What to do When Someone Passes

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What to Do When Someone Passes Away: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of handling arrangements. As of 9th September 2024, new UK regulations regarding death certification have been introduced. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to do when someone passes away in Tyne and Wear, ensuring that all legal, practical, and emotional aspects are handled with care.

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1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

If the Death Occurs at Home

  • Contact the deceased’s GP if the death was expected.
  • If it occurs outside GP hours, call 111 for guidance
  • A medical professional will attend to confirm the death and provide further instructions.

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home

  • The hospital or care home staff will handle initial procedures and notify you about the next steps.
  • They will arrange for a doctor to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).

If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected

  • Call 999 immediately.
  • The police and paramedics will attend, and if necessary, refer the case to the coroner.

2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact a funeral director to begin making arrangements. At Tyne and Wear Direct Cremation, we provide compassionate support and guidance throughout this process. Our team will:

  • Arrange the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care.
  • Arrange the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care.
  • Provide support with planning the cremation or other funeral services
  • Contact Tyne and Wear Direct Cremation

3. Understanding the Death Certification Process

With the new 2024 regulations, every death must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate is issued.

How the Process Works:
  • Medical Examiner Review – The Medical Examiner will check medical records and consult with the attending doctor
  • Doctor or Coroner Decision – The Medical Examiner will decide if the attending doctor can sign the death certificate or if the coroner must be involved.
  • Issuance of Death Certificate – If no further investigation is required, the certificate will be issued..

4. Registering the Death

By law, the death must be registered within five days (or eight days in Scotland) at the register office in the district where the death occurred.

Who Can Register the Death?

  • A relative of the deceased.
  • A person present at the time of death
  • The person responsible for funeral arrangements (not the funeral director).

Documents & Information Needed:

  • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) (sent electronically if a coroner is involved).
  • Full name, date of birth, and last address of the deceased.
  • Occupation and marital status.
  • Name and details of the deceased’s spouse or civil partner (if applicable).
  • Information about any state pension or benefits.

Registrars

North Tyneside Registrar Office

South Tyneside Registrar Office

Sunderland Registrar Office

Newcastle Registrar Office

5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered, you can proceed with making funeral arrangements.

At Tyne and Wear Direct Cremation, we offer simple, dignified, and affordable direct cremation services, ensuring your loved one receives a respectful farewell.

We provide:

  • Local care – Your loved one remains in Tyne and Wear, never transported across the country
  • Compassionate support – Direct access to experienced funeral directors, not a call centre.
  • Transparent pricing – No hidden fees, all-inclusive cremation packages.

6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

Following the funeral, you will need to address legal and financial affairs, including:

  • Notifying institutions – Contact banks, insurance companies, pension providers, utility companies, and other relevant organisations.
  • Wills & Probate – If the deceased had a will, the executor will need to apply for probate. If no will exists, the estate is handled under intestacy laws
  • Tell Us Once Service – This government service notifies HMRC, DVLA, DWP, and other agencies in one step.
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7. Coroner Involvement

A coroner may investigate the death if:

  • The cause of death is unknown.
  • The deceased was not seen by a doctor in the last 14 days.
  • The death was sudden, violent, or unexplained.
  • The death occurred during surgery or medical treatment.

If the coroner orders a post-mortem, the death cannot be registered until the results are confirmed. If an inquest is required, an interim death certificate will be issued.

Coroners

1. Newcastle and North Tyneside Coroner's Office

2. South Tyneside Coroner's Office

8. Bereavement Support & Additional Contacts

Grief can be overwhelming, and support is available to help you through this difficult time.

Local Bereavement Support Services in Tyne and Wear:

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Local Hospitals in Tyne and Wear

1. Royal Victoria Infirmary

  • Address: Queen Victoria Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP
  • Phone: 0191 233 6161

2. Freeman Hospital

3. South Tyneside District Hospital

4. Sunderland Royal Hospital

Additional Contacts:

  • Local Register Offices – To obtain death certificates
  • Solicitors & Probate Services – To assist with wills and estates
  • Utility & Insurance Providers – To close or update accounts.

Final Thoughts

Handling the death of a loved one is never easy, but knowing what to do can help ease the burden. At Tyne and Wear Direct Cremation, we are here to provide support, guidance, and dignified care every step of the way.

For assistance, contact us 24/7

We are here for you during this difficult time.

Call Now : 01917160492
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