Losing someone you love can be overwhelming, and it’s completely natural to feel unsure about what to do first. At Harrison Funeral Home, we’re here to guide you gently through the immediate steps that need to be taken when a death occurs, with care, clarity, and compassion.
If the death occurs at home
If the death was expected (for example, after a long illness), the first step is to contact the GP or district nurse.
They will visit to confirm that the person has died and will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
Once this has been done, you can call your chosen funeral director. Our team at Harrison Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day and will make the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care, treating them with the utmost dignity and respect.
If the death was unexpected, dial 999 immediately. The emergency services will advise you on what happens next, and in some cases, the Coroner may need to be informed.
If the death occurs in hospital or a care home
If the death takes place in a hospital, the hospital staff will arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate and explain how to collect it.
You can then contact the Register Office to formally register the death.
When a death occurs in a care home, staff will contact the GP and the next of kin. Once the doctor has confirmed the death, the care home will liaise directly with your chosen funeral director to arrange transfer to our chapel of rest.
There’s no need to rush – our team will support you and help you move forward at your own pace.
Registering the death
In England and Wales, a death must be registered within five days. This is done at the local Register Office, usually in the district where the death occurred.
You’ll need:
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The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
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The person’s birth certificate, if available
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Their NHS medical card or driving licence (if applicable)
When you register the death, the registrar will provide:
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A Death Certificate (you can request several copies)
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A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the “green form”), which your funeral director will need
If you’re unsure about how to register the death, we can help arrange the appointment and explain each step.
Contacting a funeral director
Once the death has been confirmed, you may contact your chosen funeral home at any time.
At Harrison Funeral Home, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer advice, guidance, and care.
We will:
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Bring your loved one into our care
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Assist with all paperwork and liaison with doctors or registrars
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Help you arrange a meaningful and personal funeral service
Our role is to ease the burden during this difficult time, enabling you to focus on remembering your loved one.
When the Coroner is involved
Sometimes, a death will need to be reported to the Coroner – particularly if it was sudden, unexplained, or the person hadn’t been seen by a doctor recently.
The Coroner may request a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death. While this can take a few days, you’ll be kept fully informed throughout.
Once the Coroner’s investigation is complete, you’ll be able to proceed with funeral arrangements.
We’re here to help you – day or night
We know how difficult this time can be, and we want you to know that you’re not alone.
Our caring and professional team at Harrison Funeral Home will support you every step of the way, from the moment a death occurs through to the funeral and beyond.
If you need immediate help or advice, please get in touch with us any time at your nearest branch in Enfield, Winchmore Hill, or Highgate.
Telephone (24-hour support): 020 8819 3465
Email: info@harrisonfuneralhome.co.uk
