What to Do When Someone Passes Away

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A Step-By-Step Guide from Stafforshire Direct Cremations

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. Understanding the steps to take can help ease the burden during this difficult time. This guide provides clear instructions and useful resources for families in Staffordshire, ensuring you are supported every step of the way.

1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

house

At Home

If the death occurs at home, contact the deceased’s GP or call 111 outside of normal hours. They will guide you on the next steps.

hospital

In a Hospital or Care Home

If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will inform you of the next steps and provide the necessary paperwork.

1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

house

At Home

If the death occurs at home, contact the deceased’s GP or call 111 outside of normal hours. They will guide you on the next steps.

hospital

In a Hospital or Care Home

If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will inform you of the next steps and provide the necessary paperwork.

2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death is confirmed, contact a funeral director. Staffordshire Direct Cremations provides compassionate and professional services, ensuring your loved one is treated with dignity and respect. We handle all arrangements locally and will guide you through the process with care and understanding.

3. Death Certification Process

Under current regulations:

● A Medical Examiner reviews the circumstances surrounding the death and either
approves the death certificate or refers the case to a coroner.
● If referred, the coroner will determine whether further investigation is required.

4. Registering the Death

The death must be registered within five days. To do this, you will need:

A medical certificate showing the cause of death.
Personal details of the deceased (full name, date and place of birth, address, and occupation)
Details of a spouse or civil partner, if applicable.
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5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered, funeral arrangements can begin. At Stafforshire Direct Cremations, we offer simple and dignified direct cremation services. Our team handles everything from paperwork to the return of ashes within five working days, giving you the time and space to plan a personal tribute.

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6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

● Notify banks, insurance providers, and other organisations of the death.
● Begin the probate process if there is a will, or follow intestacy laws if there isn’t one.

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7. Seek Grief Support

Grieving is a natural process, and support is available. Reach out to family, friends, or professional bereavement counsellors for help. There are several resources in Stafforshire to assist you through this difficult time

Additional Guidance

Coroner Involvement

A coroner may need to be involved if the death was sudden, unexplained, or the deceased wasn’t under medical care. In such cases, a post-mortem or inquest may be required.

Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service notifies government departments about the death, including:

● Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
● HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
● DVLA
● Passport Office
● Local council services

Other Contacts to Notify

● Car insurers (policies must be updated or cancelled).
● Doctor, dentist, or hospital (to cancel appointments).
● Utility providers and postal services (to redirect mail and close accounts).

Useful Contacts

When the time comes to make arrangements, Staffordshire Direct Cremations is here to support you with compassion and understanding. Below is a list of useful contacts across the region.

Hospitals

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Staffordshire

  • Royal Stoke University Hospital: 01782 715444
  • Stafford County Hospital: 01785 257731
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Midlands

  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham: 0121 627 2000
  • Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham: 0121 424 2000
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Derbyshire

  • Royal Derby Hospital: 01332 340131
  • Chesterfield Royal Hospital: 01246 277271

Register Offices

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Staffordshire

  • Stafford Register Office: 0300 111 8001
  • Lichfield Register Office: 0300 111 8001
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Midlands

  • Birmingham Register Office: 0121 675 1000
  • Wolverhampton Register Office: 01902 555777
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Derbyshire

  • Derby Register Office: 01332 641680
  • Chesterfield Register Office: 01629 533110

Coroners

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Staffordshire

  • Staffordshire South Coroner: 01785 276126
  • Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire North Coroner: 01782 234777
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Midlands

  • BirBirmingham and Solihull Coroner's Service: 0121 303 3228
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Derbyshire

  • Derby and Derbyshire Coroner's Office: 01332 613014

Grief Support Services

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Cruse Bereavement Care

  • Helpline: 0808 808 1677
  • Website: www.cruse.org.uk
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Samaritans

  • Helpline: 116 123
  • Website: www.samaritans.org
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Local Bereavement Support Services

  • Staffordshire: Bereavement Helpline via Staffordshire County Council.

When the time comes to make arrangements, Staffordshire Direct Cremation is here to provide compassionate care and understanding. Contact us today to discuss your needs, and let us help you say goodbye in a way that feels meaningful and dignified.

Supporting Families Across Staffordshire. Areas we Cover

We offer peace of mind with the comfort of knowing your loved is kept under professional and local care. No hidden costs and we offer our Direct Cremation service at £1195 across Staffordshire including...

Stafford
Tamworth
Stoke-on-Trent
Coven
Cannock
Lichfield
Essington
Codsall & Brewood

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