Michael J Walsh Funeral Directors

What to do when a death occurs

What to do when someone passes away

It can be a confusing time for people when a death occurs and difficult to know what to do.

What needs to happen first depends on the circumstances of the death and the place of death.

When someone dies in hospital

If the deceased has died in hospital and you are the named next of kin, the hospital staff will inform you.

You will have to wait for the appropriate documentation in order to register the death.

The bereavement office staff will advise on this.

You can contact us and we will talk you through anything you are concerned about.

Once the appropriate papers have been issued we can collect the deceased from the hospital and bring them back into our care.

What to do if someone dies at home

If a death was unexpected, you should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance and police immediately.

You will be told what to do by the operator.

The paramedics will confirm the death.

Leave the area untouched apart from any attempt at resuscitation.

If the death was expected, perhaps due to terminal illness, you should contact the deceased's Doctor or the nearest Doctor.

If the cause of death is known and from natural causes the Doctor will issue the documents to register the death.

Once a Doctor has confirmed an expected death you can call us on 01371 856274 or 01371 856377 and we will come out and collect the deceased and take them into our care at any time.

If the Doctor is unsure of the cause of Death the deceased may be referred to a coroner to determine the cause of death.

This may cause a delay in the documents needed to register the death.

Registering a death

If you are unsure about this or have problems getting to a register office contact us and we will help.

You should register within 5 days in the district in which the death has occurred.

You can make an appointment online or we can for you if needed.

Michael J Walsh Funeral Directors


A dignified and caring approach