What to do when someone dies.

We would like to express our sincere condolences for your loss. We understand this is a very difficult time and we hope this information helps in explaining the process around the formalities in certifying a death.

• If someone dies at home and their death is expected
• If someone dies at a care home and their death is expected

The GP that last saw the patient or ‘treated them in their last illness’ before their passing must be the person that completes the death certificate and cremation form, if applicable. We will do our best to complete the necessary documentation as soon as possible, but on occasion there may be delays whilst we await the GP’s return to the practice.  Most of our GPs are not present at the practice every day, and they may be away on annual leave.

We realise you may have been advised the death must be registered within 5 days, however due to the complexities as above, it often takes a little longer than this. Please do not worry, the Registrar’s office is aware that this can happen. The legislation states registration must be within 5 days of the Registrar becoming aware of the issue of the death certificate, so this extends the time.

The GP must liaise with the Medical Examiner to discuss and agree a cause of death; this must be completed to enable the certificate to be written. The Medical Examiner also requires copies of the patient’s medical records in order to establish issues that contributed to their passing. On occasion, the GP will speak with the coroner to consider whether a postmortem examination is needed. These conversations must occur by law before the certificate can be completed, and this process can unfortunately lead to further delays.

Once the cause of death is agreed, you will be notified by us (or the Medical Examiner or Coroner) that the documentation is complete.

To register a death in Buckinghamshire, you must book an appointment with the Registrars Office, you can do this online at Register a death | Buckinghamshire Council; or in person at any of the Buckinghamshire Registry Office, to find your closest office Find a register office | Buckinghamshire Council.

If you need to contact the Buckinghamshire Registrars office, please call 0300 131 6000.

Please do not make an appointment until the certificate has been completed and sent to the Registrar’s office.

• If someone dies at home unexpectedly

Call 111 immediately and ask for advice. An unexpected death may need to be reported to a coroner. A coroner is a doctor or lawyer responsible for investigating unexpected deaths. They may call for a post-mortem or inquest to find out the cause of death. This may take some time, so the funeral may need to be delayed.

• If someone dies in hospital

The hospital will usually issue a medical certificate and formal notice. They will support you with the next steps you need to take. The body will usually be kept in the hospital mortuary until the funeral directors or relatives arrange a chapel of rest, or for the body to be taken home.

• If someone dies abroad

If someone dies abroad, register the death according to the regulations of the country. Register it with the British Consul in the country too, so you can get a consulate death certificate and a record can be kept in the UK.

We hope this explains the process but if we can assist any further, please contact us.

Here are some useful links for further information:

Buckinghamshire Medical Examiner Information

Medical-Examiner-Service_Next-of-Kin-information.pdf (buckshealthcare.nhs.uk)

Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Office

Guidance about deaths referred to the coroner | Buckinghamshire Council

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