First Call
When a Death Occurs
If a person dies at home and the death is expected your first call should be to the person's GP or STOURCARE if it is outside normal surgery hours. The GP will normally attend to confirm death and give permission for the deceased to be transferred to our private facilities. This service is available from us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In normal circumstances we can be with you within 30 minutes of receiving your call, day or night.
The person's GP would then normally issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death within the following 24-48 hours which you would collect from the surgery. This document is required for you to register the death. We will deal with registration a little later.
If the death occurs at home but is unexpected the ambulance service should be called immediately. An unexpected death comes under the jurisdiction of HM Coroner. In this instance the Coroner have their own staff to transfer the deceased from their home to the hospital. You still have complete freedom of choice as to who carries out the funeral arrangements for you.
If the death occurs in hospital the Patient's Liaison Officer will organise the Death Certificate and keep you informed of exactly what is going on and how to proceed.
In certain circumstances hospital deaths are referred to HM Coroner. There are various reasons that this can be necessary: the past occupation of the deceased, length of time in hospital, recent illnesses or injuries etc. Again you will be kept fully informed by HM Coroner's staff.
If the death occurs in a nursing or retirement home or Hospice inform them that you wish us to handle the arrangements for you and then let us know as soon as you feel able to.
REGISTERING A DEATH
The registration procedure varies according to individual circumstances which we will cover shortly. There is one common factor however, and that is that you MUST have an appointment to attend the Registry Office. The appointment can be made by telephone (08458 247400) or on-line. Use this link www.kent.gov.uk/Community/births-marriages-and-deaths/deaths/ to get a detailed explanation of registration and appointment booking information.
When the doctor issues a Death Certificate
Registration must take place within 5 days of the death occurring. On completion you will receive a GREEN CERTIFICATE which should be returned to us as quickly as possible. If the funeral is to be a cremation we have to make sure this document is at the Crematorium at least 2 working days before the funeral.
When the death is the subject of a Coroner's Post-Mortem Examination without inquest
HM Coroner's office will inform the Registrar and you of the cause of death. You then make your appointment and register the death (no death certificate is required). This must be done within 14 days of the death occurring, before OR after the funeral in the case of CREMATION. If the funeral is a BURIAL, registration must be carried out before the funeral because the GREEN CERTIFICATE is required by the cemetery at the time of burial.
When the death is subject of a Coroner's Post-Mortem Examination with inquest
When an inquest is ordered HM Coroner will issue the required certificate for the funeral. You will also receive a document from HM Coroner that will enable you to start to deal with the estate of the deceased. Once the inquest has taken place HM Coroner will complete Registration on your behalf. You do not need to attend the Registry Office at all.
This guide is kept deliberately simple. If you require more detail relating to your particular circumstance please do not hesitate to contact us for advice and guidance.
