Family managed funerals guidance

When death occurs

When a death takes place at home, the last General Practitioner (GP) to have visited the deceased should be told. They will confirm the death and issue a certificate stating the cause of death.

If the death occurs while the deceased is in hospital, then the hospital will provide the certificate.

Tell the doctor or hospital at this stage if the deceased will be cremated, so that another certificate authorising cremation can be given at the same time. It will be possible to arrange for this certificate to be issued later.

If the doctor is unable to confirm the cause of death, they will tell the coroner.