In Times of Bereavement – Guidance for Eltham Medical Practice Patients
In the unfortunate event of a death, there are several important steps to take in the first few days. With the introduction of the new medical examiner system, the process has changed slightly. Below is the updated information on what needs to be done:
1. Obtain a Medical Certificate
You will need to obtain a medical certificate confirming the cause of death from either your GP or a hospital doctor. This certificate is required to register the death. In some cases certificates are provided by the Medical Examiner’s Office, or may require input from a Coroner to complete.
New Medical Examiner System: Under the new system, all deaths must be referred to a medical examiner who will review the circumstances surrounding the death. Medical examiners are independent doctors who will ensure that all deaths are properly investigated and certified. They work alongside the coroner, particularly when the cause of death is unclear or when a post-mortem is required. Certificates cannot be issued until we have received agreement from the Medical Examiners’ office regarding what should be on the certificate.
2. Register the Death
Once you have the medical certificate, the death must be registered within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). If the death has been reported to the coroner, permission must be granted before registration can take place.
You can register the death with the local Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. You do not need to wait for a post-mortem or coroner’s inquest if a medical examiner has been involved and has provided the necessary certification.
You can register the death if you are a relative, a witness to the death, a hospital administrator, or the person making arrangements with the funeral director. To make the process smoother, visit the ‘Register a Death’ page on the gov.uk website. This will guide you through the registration process, including details for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Contact Details for Greenwich and Lewisham Medical Examiners:
lg.medicalexaminerofficecommunitylgt@nhs.net
3. Make Funeral Arrangements
Once the death is registered, you can proceed with funeral arrangements. The funeral generally cannot take place until the death has been officially registered.
You can choose to hire a funeral director or arrange the funeral yourself. If you decide to arrange it yourself, you can contact your local council’s Cemeteries and Crematorium Department.
Funeral Directors
When selecting a funeral director, it’s recommended to choose one that is a member of one of the following accredited organisations:
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- National Federation of Funeral Directors
- Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
These organisations require funeral directors to follow specific codes of practice, and they must provide a price list when asked.
Funeral Costs
Funeral costs can vary, and they generally include:
- Funeral director fees
- ‘Disbursements’ or third-party costs (such as crematorium or cemetery fees, or newspaper announcements)
- Local authority burial or cremation fees
Funeral directors should provide a breakdown of all these costs in their quotes.
If you have any questions or need support during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out to the medical examiner’s office or local services. Please be assured that Eltham Medical Practice is here to support you through this difficult time.
