Arranging the Funeral
We know that the funeral of a loved one is the final dedication of their life. That’s why our service to you begins from the first time you contact us. We can provide all the advice and guidance you need to make the funeral service the best it can be, at a difficult time.
On the first contact we will ask for preliminary details only. We would then make an appointment for the funeral director to meet with you to arrange the funeral service, either at our office or in the comfort of your own home if that is more convenient. We will offer advice to help you decide the type of funeral you want for your loved one - low cost direct cremation, a traditional funeral or woodland burial.
Advice to families who have suffered a bereavement.
What to do when somebody dies in hospital, at home, in a nursing home or suddenly
Bereavement is one of life’s most challenging experiences and we appreciate that it can be a difficult time to make decisions on the funeral arrangements in this early stage of the bereavement. There are certain practical matters that have to be taken care of. We hope the information given below will be informative and useful. Please remember this is purely a guide and we will answer any questions that might arise, so do not hesitate to contact us
on : 01782 636338 (Staffordshire) 01270 588980 (Cheshire) or freephone 08081788832 (24 Hrs)
Advice after the bereavement.
There are practical matters which need to be addressed for the funeral to take place. You will need to register the death at the Registrar's office by appointment or you may be able to do this at the hospital when collecting the Medical Certificate. You can arrange to register the death by telephoning
Cheshire East area 01270 375210
North Staffs area 01782 235260
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Registering a Death
A death should normally be registered within 5 days. You will first need to contact the deceased’s GP or the Bereavement Office at the hospital for an appointment to collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You will then be able to contact the Register Office in the district where death occurred to make an appointment to register the death.
Who should register a death?
Wherever possible a close relative should register a death. If no relative is available then someone who was present at the death can register. If no such person is available the person making the funeral arrangements may register.
Registration of a death where the death occurs at home, in residential care or in a small community hospital
If the death occurs while the person is in their home, in residential care or in a small community hospital the doctor from the practice with whom the deceased is registered must prepare the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The doctor must have seen the deceased within the last 14 days and be aware of the cause of death. If this is not the case the doctor will need to discuss the death with the coroner.
If the coroner decides that the certificate cannot be issued then the death will be investigated and a post mortem examination may take place. We will liaise with the coroner on your behalf and advise you of the next steps. If however the Medical Certificate as to Cause of Death has been provided you can make an appointment to register the death in the district where death occurred.
Registration of a death where the death occurs in a hospital
The larger hospitals, namely Leighton Hospital or North Staffs Hospital have Bereavement Services who will arrange the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The Bereavement Services will arrange for a convenient time for you to collect the certificate and can arrange for an appointment afterwards with a registrar on site at the hospital itself.
Information required by the Registrar
- The full name and usual address of the deceased.
- Place and date of birth of the deceased.
- Place and date of death of the deceased.
- The occupation of the deceased.
- Whether the person who has died was in receipt of pensions from public funds.
- Your full name and address and your relationship to the deceased.
Documents you will receive after registering a death
- The Certificate for Burial or Cremation (green) which is required by the funeral director. This form is not issued for cases referred to the Coroner and we will advise you of the procedure in such circumstances.
- The Registration or Notification of Death (white) that is required by the DWP.
- Certified Copies of Death Certificates required by banks, insurance companies, solicitors, etc. £4 per copy when purchased on day of registration but £10 if purchased later..