Here to Guide You

What to Do When Someone Dies

When someone dies, knowing what to do next can be difficult. We're here to help you through it.

Whether a death has been expected or has happened suddenly, there are some practical steps that need to be taken.

What happens first will depend on where the person has died and the circumstances surrounding their death.

We've explained the most common situations below. You don't need to understand everything before speaking to us. We can talk you through the process and answer your questions.

Call Us: 0161 302 9753 Read the Guidance ↓

Arrangement room at Memories Funeral Service in Offerton

First Things First

What Should You Do First?

There isn't one set process for every situation. These are the three main things to consider immediately after someone has died.

Contact the Right People

Depending on where and how the death has happened, this may be the GP, NHS 111, emergency services or the hospital or care team.

Contact Your Funeral Director

You can telephone Memories as soon as you feel ready. You do not need to have registered the death before speaking to us.

We'll Explain the Next Steps

We'll establish what has happened, discuss the practical arrangements and explain what paperwork or permissions may be needed.

Practical Guidance

What Happens in Different Circumstances?

Choose the situation that most closely reflects what has happened. If you're unsure which applies, please call us for guidance.

At Home or in a Care Home

If the Death Was Expected

Contact the healthcare team. If someone dies at home following an illness, contact their GP, district nurse or the healthcare team responsible for their care, following any instructions already provided. NHS 111 can advise if you cannot reach them.
The death will need to be verified. A suitably trained professional will confirm that the person has died. If the person was living in a care home, the staff will normally arrange this.
Telephone Memories. Once the death has been verified and any necessary permission has been given, we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

You can contact us before the paperwork is complete. We'll explain what needs to happen before your loved one can be moved.

At Home or in a Care Home

If the Death Was Unexpected

Call 999 if someone has collapsed, is unresponsive or may still be alive. Follow the emergency call handler's instructions, including any advice about resuscitation.
Follow the advice of the emergency services. Where a death is sudden or unexplained, the police and coroner may need to be involved. In a care home, staff will normally follow their emergency procedures.
Contact Memories when you're ready. We can explain how the process works and make arrangements once your loved one has been released into our care.

If a coroner becomes involved, this does not necessarily mean anything suspicious has happened. It may simply mean the cause of death needs to be established.

Hospital or Hospice

If the Death Was Expected

The medical team will confirm the death. Hospital or hospice staff will explain the immediate arrangements and how your loved one will be cared for.
The medical certification process will begin. A doctor and the Medical Examiner's Office will deal with the necessary certification and checks.
Contact Memories. Tell us which hospital or hospice your loved one is at. We'll liaise with the relevant department and arrange to bring them into our care when they can be released.

You do not need to wait until the death is registered before contacting us to discuss funeral arrangements.

Hospital or Hospice

If the Death Was Unexpected

The medical team will explain what has happened. They will also advise whether further medical checks are needed.
The death may be referred to the coroner. This depends on the circumstances and whether a cause of death can be established.
Telephone Memories whenever you're ready. We'll keep in contact with the hospital or other relevant authorities and explain what can happen next.

A referral to the coroner can sometimes delay the release of your loved one. We'll explain how this may affect the funeral arrangements.

Understanding the Process

What Happens After the Initial Arrangements?

Once the immediate arrangements have been made, there are a few further steps to complete. We'll guide you through these.

Medical Certification

A doctor will usually complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which is then independently reviewed by an NHS Medical Examiner.

The Medical Examiner's Office will explain the process and confirm when you can register the death. Different arrangements apply if the coroner investigates.

Registering the Death

Once you've received confirmation that registration can take place, you'll need to arrange this with the register office.

In England, the usual deadline is within five days of being told you can register. Different procedures may apply if the coroner is involved.

Read Our Registration Guide →

Arranging the Funeral

We'll meet with you to discuss the arrangements, explain your choices and help you plan a funeral that reflects your wishes.

You can start discussing arrangements before registration, although the necessary paperwork or authorisation must be in place before the funeral can proceed.

Arranging a Funeral →

Further Information

What If the Coroner Is Involved?

Sometimes a death needs to be referred to the coroner, particularly if the cause of death is unknown, the death was unexpected or there are circumstances requiring further investigation.

The coroner may decide that no further investigation is needed, or may arrange additional enquiries, including a post-mortem examination where appropriate.

The coroner's office will explain any necessary procedures. You may need to wait for permission before your loved one can be brought into our care or before the funeral can take place.

You can still speak to Memories while the coroner is involved.

We can begin discussing funeral arrangements, explain what happens next and help you understand which decisions can be made before your loved one is released.

Here to Help

You Don't Have to Work Everything Out Yourself

The practical arrangements following a death can sometimes feel confusing, particularly if this is the first time you've had to deal with them.

At Memories, we'll explain what needs to happen, who you need to contact and what we can take care of on your behalf.

We are a small, independent and family-run funeral service with funeral homes in Offerton and Romiley.

You'll have familiar people to speak to throughout the arrangements, and we'll always take the time to answer your questions.

We Can Help With

Bringing your loved one into our care once they can be released
Liaising with hospitals, hospices and other relevant organisations
Explaining the necessary funeral paperwork
Arranging appointments at our funeral homes or discussing suitable alternatives
Explaining funeral options and costs
Planning a funeral that reflects your family's wishes

We're Here When You Need Us

Please Don't Hesitate to Call

Whether someone has just died or you're trying to understand what needs to happen next, we're here to offer guidance.

You can call us at any time following a death. We'll listen to your circumstances, explain the next steps and help you make the necessary arrangements.

Call Us: 0161 302 9753 Contact Us →