What to do when a loved one dies?
Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. It can be overwhelming and painful, with our experiences being unique to ourselves.
What to do when a loved one dies unexpectedly?
Call 999 right away to request an ambulance. Should the cause of death be unknown, the emergency services will need to arrange for your loved one to be taken into the coroner’s care. Following the coroner’s investigation, funeral providers can arrange for your loved one to be taken into care.
What to do when a loved one dies at home?
If the death was expected, in the first instance you should call your loved one’s GP. Should your loved one’s death happen outside of the GP’s operational hours, you should revert to calling the NHS on 111 (available 24/7). Once the cause of death has been established, the doctor will certify the death, at this point funeral providers can bring your loved one into care.
What to do when a loved one dies in the hospital?
The hospital staff will contact the next of kin or a close relative. Following being informed of your loved one’s death, your loved one will be moved to the hospital’s mortuary. At this point, your funeral director can arrange for your loved one to be taken into their care. If the death was unexpected, a coroner’s investigation may be required.
What to do when a loved one dies in a care setting?
The death would need to be certified by a GP or appropriate medical professional. Care staff are trained to ensure your loved one is appropriately cared for in the event of their passing. Care professionals should move your loved one to a private space until your funeral provider can take your loved one into care. If the death was unexpected, a coroner’s investigation may be required.
What to do when a loved one dies outside of the UK?
If you are travelling with them, the first thing you should do is contact the nearest British embassy. If you are not travelling with your loved one, a representative from the British embassy will inform the next of kin. The British embassy will be able to provide further support on registering the death and bringing your loved one home. (Legislation may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction).
Talk to us
If you have any questions following the death of a loved one, call us to speak with a member of our caring team.
02920 524 200
Registering the death of a loved one
If a loved one dies unexpectedly, you will be unable to register the death until investigations are complete. If a loved one dies expectedly, the following applies:
In England and Wales, you will need to contact the registry office to register the death within 5 days.
A relative should register the death, if a relative cannot register the death, you can do it if you:
- Were there at the time of death
- Are the person who found the deceased
- Are the person in charge of the deceased
- Are in charge of making funeral arrangements
Information that may be requested
The registry office may request the following information about the deceased:
- Full name at the time of death
- Any names previously used, eg maiden name
- Date and place of birth
- Last address
- Occupation
- Occupation of a surviving or late spouse/ civil partner
- Whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits
- Birth certificate
- Council tax bill
- Driving licence
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- NHS medical card
- Passport
- Proof of address
Documents you’ll receive:
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the ‘green form’) – gives permission for burial or an application for cremation
- A Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8) – you may need to fill this in and return it if the person was getting a State Pension or benefits
Useful Numbers
EMERGENCY SERVICES: 999
NHS: 111
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF WALES: 029 2074 7747
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LLANDOUGH: 029 2184 2789
BARRY HOSPITAL/ ST DAVID’S HOSPITAL: 029 2182 5225
ROYAL GWENT HOSPITAL: 01633 234 080
THE GRANGE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: 01633 493 100
CARDIFF REGISTER OFFICE: 029 2087 1680
VALE OF GLAMORGAN REGISTER OFFICE: 01446 700 111
NEWPORT REGISTER OFFICE: 01633 235 510
GWENT CORONER SERVICE: 01633 414 600
CORONER FOR SOUTH WALES CENTRAL: 01443 281 100
Our funeral service options
Our professional team offers a full range of funeral services to suit all needs. Whether you are looking for cremation or burial, traditional or alternative, direct cremation or bespoke funeral services, our comprehensive range of funeral options will allow you to choose the right funeral.
White Willow Cremation
Also known as a direct cremation, our White Willow Cremation service offers an affordable, unattended funeral for £999*.
White Willow Cremation Bespoke
Offers everything included with a White Willow Cremation with the option to personalise and add additions.
Traditional Funerals
Our traditional funerals typically include viewings, a funeral procession with a hearse or other passenger vehicle to the cemetery and a committal service.
Bespoke Funerals
Personalisation options allow you to plan a funeral the way they would have wanted with a personal flair, no request is too big or small.
Environmental Funerals
With options including natural burial and eco-friendly urns and coffins, we can facilitate a funeral with environmental options at the forefront.
Religious Funerals
Whatever your religion and beliefs, we arrange services following the practices of your particular religion.
Non-Religious Funerals
Also known as humanist funerals, non-religious funerals are conducted without religious content, seen as a celebration of life.
Children’s Funerals
If you need to arrange a funeral for a baby or a child under the age of 18, we will provide our services free of charge.