What to Do When Someone Passes Away

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

Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of handling arrangements. This guide provides a clear overview of what to do when someone passes away in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, ensuring 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.

  • Outside GP hours, call NHS 111 for guidance.

  • A medical professional will confirm the death and provide instructions.

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home

  • Staff will manage initial procedures and notify you about 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.

  • Police and paramedics will attend and may refer the case to the coroner.

2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death is confirmed, contact a local funeral director to begin arrangements.

At Sheffield Direct Cremations, we provide compassionate support and guidance:

  • Arrange the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care

  • Handle all legal paperwork and documentation

  • Support planning the cremation or other funeral services

3. Understanding the Death Certification Process

All deaths are now reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate is issued.

Process Overview:

  • Medical Examiner Review

    Checks medical records and consults with the attending doctor

  • Doctor or Coroner Decision

    Determines if the attending doctor can sign the death certificate or if the coroner must be involved

  • Issuance of Death Certificate

    Certificate is issued if no further investigation is needed

4. Registering the Death

By law, deaths 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:

  • A relative of the deceased

  • Someone present at the time of death

  • The person responsible for funeral arrangements (not the funeral director)

Who Can Register:

  • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

  • Full name, date of birth, and last address of the deceased

  • Occupation and marital status

  • Spouse or civil partner details, if applicable

  • State pension or benefits information

Sheffield Register Office

Rotherham Register Office

5. Arranging the Funeral

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

At Sheffield Direct Cremations, we provide:

  • Local care

    Your loved one remains in Sheffield & South Yorkshire, never transported long distances

  • Compassionate support

    Direct access to experienced NAFD-qualified funeral directors

  • Transparent pricing

    No hidden fees, all-inclusive cremation packages (£1,250)

  • Complimentary chapel visits

    Private space for up to 10 people to say goodbye

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6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

After the funeral, you may need to address:

  • Notifying banks, insurance companies, pension providers, utilities, and other institutions

  • Wills & probate – Executors manage the estate; intestacy rules apply if no will exists

  • Tell Us Once – Notify HMRC, DVLA, DWP, and other agencies in one step (gov.uk)

7. Coroner Involvement

A coroner may investigate if:

  • Cause of death is unknown

  • Death occurred suddenly or during medical treatment

  • Death was not attended by a doctor in the last 14 days

Sheffield Coroner’s Office

Rotherham Coroner’s Office

8. Bereavement Support & Additional Contacts

Grief can be overwhelming. Support is available locally:

Local Hospitals:

  • Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

    Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF

    0114 271 1900

  • Rotherham Hospital

    Moorgate Road, Rotherham S60 2UD

    01709 820000

Final Thoughts

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

Contact us 24/7

We are here for you during this difficult time.