When someone dies suddenly or without warning, it can be incredibly distressing and confusing. Whether it happens at home, in a care home, or a hospital, it’s important to know what steps to take and who can help.
If Someone Dies Unexpectedly at Home or in a Care Home
If a person dies unexpectedly in the community, at home or in a care home, the first step is to call 999 immediately. Paramedics will attend and may confirm the death. If the death is considered sudden, unexplained, or possibly work-related, the attending doctor or paramedic may refer the case to the Coroner.
Depending on the circumstances, the deceased may be:
- Taken into the care of the Coroner straight away
- Moved to a local funeral director temporarily, pending discussions with the deceased’s GP and the Coroner
In many cases, the police may also attend. This does not mean a crime has occurred, they are acting on behalf of the Coroner to ensure everything is handled properly.
You do not need to make any immediate decisions about funeral arrangements at this point. Take your time, and know that support is available when you’re ready.
What Happens Next?
Procedures vary slightly depending on where the death occurred:
In Nottinghamshire
In Nottinghamshire, the Nottinghamshire Coroner’s Service will arrange for their contracted funeral director to collect the deceased. This funeral director works solely on behalf of the Coroner and cannot provide funeral advice or services. You are free to appoint any funeral director of your choice once the Coroner’s involvement has ended.
In Derbyshire
In Derbyshire, you can ask the attending police to contact your preferred funeral director to arrange the transfer to a hospital mortuary. If no preference is given, the police will appoint a local funeral director for this initial transfer. Once the Coroner’s investigation is complete, your chosen funeral director can step in to handle the funeral arrangements.
If a Sudden Death Occurs in Hospital
If the death takes place in hospital and is referred to the Coroner, the deceased will either remain there or be transferred to another hospital with post-mortem facilities.
A post-mortem examination may be required to establish the cause of death. However, if recent scans or medical tests provide sufficient clarity, a post-mortem may not be needed.
The Coroner will inform the family of:
- Whether a post-mortem is required
- How long the process is likely to take
- When the body can be released for funeral arrangements
During this time, the hospital’s bereavement team may also offer support and advice.
Registering the Death
Once the Coroner has established a cause of death and issued the necessary documentation, the death can be registered. If the death has been referred to the Coroner, you should wait until the Coroner has completed their investigation before registering.
You’ll need to:
- Contact the local registry office
- Take the paperwork provided by the Coroner or hospital
- Register the death within five days (in England and Wales), unless the Coroner advises otherwise
The registrar will provide you with a death certificate and other documents you’ll need to begin managing affairs and arranging the funeral.
Support and Funeral Arrangements
Losing someone suddenly brings a lot of uncertainty. You might feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face it alone.
We’re here to:
- Explain the Coroner’s process and legal steps
- Liaise with hospitals and local authorities on your behalf
- Bring your loved one into our care when permitted
- Guide you through your funeral options
We can help arrange anything from a simple, dignified farewell to a highly personalised service that honours your loved one’s life.
Useful Links
Death at Home
Death in Care
Death in Hospital
Death of a Child
Dying abroad and Repatriation
Registering a death
Help with bereavement