What to do when a death occurs
When somebody dies it comes as a great shock. Sometimes the death maybe expected, but nothing prepares you for the emotional shock of losing someone close.
If the Death Occurred at Home
When death takes place at home their is usually relatives, friends or neighbour to assist. Inform the Doctor as soon as possible that the Death has occurred. He/She may write out the medical certificate of death when he/she visits the house, or may request you to attend the surgery for this purpose.
When the Death Occurred in Hospital
When death happens in hospital, the procedure is very similar. Apply to the hospital for the medical certificate of death and not your family doctor.
The Coroner
In cases where the death has been reported to the coroner, if the deceased has not been attended by his/her doctor within 14 days or death occurs suddenly then the death will be reported to the coroner for area where the death took place.
The coroner will have to establish the cause of death: this is normally done by a post-mortem the deceased will remain under the coroner's jurisdiction until the cause of death has been established and only then will the coroner release the deceased for the funeral to take place.
The coroner's procedure usually only takes a few days. The funeral director will keep the relatives informed of the situation. The funeral director will then be told when the family can register the death. The coroner's court will issue the death certificate.
Inquest
When a death occurs and is due to unnatural causes a coroner's inquest is necessary.
The coroner will open and adjourn to a later date. The coroner will then release the deceased to enable the funeral to take place.
The coroner will issue an interim certificate, which can be used for bank or insurance purposes.When the coroner completes the inquest the death can be registered.
