What to do when someone dies, and you arrange a Direct Cremation Service

If the person has died at home call your GP and nearest relative immediately.

If the GP has seen the deceased one in the last 28 days for what he/she believes has caused death, then he/she can certify the death.

However, if the GP has not seen the deceased in last 28 days or has seen the deceased in the last 28 days but not for what he/she believes has caused the death then the coroner is informed.

If the person died in hospital, the deceased would usually stay in the hospital mortuary until a Funeral Director or the relative arrange for the body to be moved to a Funeral Home or home.

A medical cause of death certificate is issued by the doctor who was treating the deceased, unless the coroner needs to be informed.

In April 2014, Medical Examiners were introduced to independently scrutinise and confirm the cause of death when the death is not referred to the coroner, they will be the primary source of general medical advice to the Coroner. 

When a death is referred to the Coroner, it is likely a post mortem will be carried out. After the post mortem has been carried and the Coroner feels there is no reason for an inquest an order of burial will be issued, or in the case of cremation a Cremation Form 6 will be issued. 

If the Coroner believes an inquest needs to occur there are three options:

• If a burial is requested, The Coroner can open the inquest, issue a Coroner’s order of burial, and then adjourn the inquest to a later date. The inquest can occur at any-point, including after the funeral.
• When a cremation is requested, then a Cremation Form 6 is issued, the inquest again can happen after the funeral, this occurs when the Coroner is confident that there will be no need for further examinations. 
• The Coroner has the discretion to refuse a burial or cremation request until the inquest is concluded if he/she believes that a further examination of the deceased may assist with establishing a cause of death.