Help when a death occurs
Whether a death was expected or not, many people feel worried and unsure about what to do, most people find the death of a relative or close friend is a very unsettling experience. Those left behind have to come to terms with the loss as well as contend with the immediate practicalities and contacting a Funeral Director.
The purpose of a Funeral Director is to offer professional advice and guidance to assist you in making the funeral arrangements.
You can contact a Funeral Director of your choice for advice at any time following a death, even before registration.
You should find out if the deceased left a Will or any instructions regarding their funeral.
Please feel free to contact us on 01626 772080 for further information and speak to a member of staff who will be available to talk you through the process.
The purpose of a Funeral Director is to offer professional advice and guidance to assist you in making the funeral arrangements.
You can contact a Funeral Director of your choice for advice at any time following a death, even before registration.
You should find out if the deceased left a Will or any instructions regarding their funeral.
Please feel free to contact us on 01626 772080 for further information and speak to a member of staff who will be available to talk you through the process.
If the death occurs at home
In the first instance contact the deceased’s Doctor or surgery (Devon Doctors when out of hours) who will visit and determine that death has occurred. A death certificate should be issued by the last attending Doctor. (This may be the following day when the GP surgery is open). The certificate should then be taken to the registrar for which an appointment may be necessary. If the death is sudden dial 999.
Once a medic has verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01626 772080). We will then arrange to remove the deceased to our premises.
We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Our Funeral Director will arrange to visit you at home to make all the necessary funeral arrangements.
If the Coroner is involved because
Once the cause of death has been established the Coroner/Doctor will issue the necessary certificate to allow registration.
We can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings.
Once a medic has verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01626 772080). We will then arrange to remove the deceased to our premises.
We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Our Funeral Director will arrange to visit you at home to make all the necessary funeral arrangements.
If the Coroner is involved because
- The deceased had not been seen by a Doctor in the previous 14 days
- The death was unexplained or sudden
Once the cause of death has been established the Coroner/Doctor will issue the necessary certificate to allow registration.
We can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings.
Should the death occur in a care or nursing home
The staff of the care/nursing home will contact the appropriate professional (Family Doctor or out of hours) to verify the death. Then they can contact us to remove the deceased to our premises.
The care home can be made aware in advance of your choice of Funeral Director. They can then liaise with us as necessary.
The care home can be made aware in advance of your choice of Funeral Director. They can then liaise with us as necessary.
If the death is in a hospital
- The nursing staff on the ward/unit will notify the next of kin.
- You will be asked to contact the hospitals' bereavement office. They will arrange a time for you to collect personal effects together with a Medical Certificate of Death which you will need to take to the registrar.
- Call 01626 772080 and speak to one of our staff who will arrange for the Funeral Director to visit you at home to make all the necessary arrangements.