WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES…
In the first instance at any time of the day or night, if the death occurs at home you must first telephone the doctor. Once the doctor has been you can telephone us. You could of course call us while you are waiting and we’ll talk you through the next steps, including registration. We can provide a small car to help do this if required. Do not feel rushed, most funerals are arranged a week or so after the death occurs. Everything is your choice, take your time, discuss it with other family members and your Priest or Minister. Should it be the wish of the deceased, you do not have to have a religious ceremony, we can advise.
If the death occurs in Hospital you should make contact with the patients affairs department. They will guide you through the Registration process if the doctor is able to certify the cause of death, if not they will explain the role of the coroner. You should contact us to discuss collection of the deceased back to our funeral home.
Should the death occur unexpectedly the doctor may be unable to certify the cause of death. In this case the Coroner will become involved and will require a post mortem examination. If that happens anywhere other than a hospital, the coroner’s officer will arrange the movement of the deceased to a mortuary. He will request a funeral director to do this. BE WARNED: It won’t be us! In Hampshire at present this is being done without charge to the County by a contractor. Do not feel pressured to use the funeral services of the contract funeral director just because the Coroner asked them to transfer the deceased for examination. The choice of funeral director is yours and yours alone. This system of ‘Coroner’s Removals’ was chosen by Hants County Council simply to save money! A contract was issued that excludes almost all of the County’s small funeral directors. The County Council do not seem to care that no-one could operate a 24hr/7 day service like this without getting something in return. We are currently fighting this on behalf of families who may not realise what’s happening or feel pressured by an apparently ‘free’ funeral director they didn’t invite into their home. A sudden death is distressing enough, you may not know why a particular funeral company is attending without your having requested them. If in doubt please ask!
If the death is a coroner’s case you can still always select your own funeral director. If you choose us, please call at any time. Once the examination is completed the Coroner will release the body to our care. Tell them ASAP that we will be doing the funeral.
Wherever and however the death occurs, please do not be embarrassed, feel free to shop around. Charges can vary widely. Ask for the total cost if you know what exactly you require. All funeral directors should have a price list and should offer a ‘Basic funeral service.’ Ask them about theirs and any restrictions on dates and times. Ask them who owns them! Armed with the facts you can make an informed choice.
Should no-one be able to pay for a funeral the hospital will advise you. Very rarely the hospital or local authority will pay for a simple funeral if no relatives can be found. If you are in receipt of benefits we can advise you on making an application for help.
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