What To Do When Someone Dies
A Practical Guide to Explain What to Do When Someone Dies in England or Wales.
When someone dies, there are several practical steps that need to be followed. Knowing what to do first can be difficult, especially if you have never had to arrange a funeral before. The process will depend on where the death happened, whether it was expected, and whether any further checks are needed.
This guide explains the steps you need to take after a death in England and Wales, including what happens if someone dies at home, in hospital, in a care home or unexpectedly. At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we provide clear advice and support families throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales. We can guide you through each stage and help arrange the funeral when you are ready.
What Happens Immediately After Someone Dies?
The first steps depend on where the person died and whether the death was expected.
A healthcare professional will need to confirm the death before the next arrangements can take place. The process is slightly different depending on the circumstances.
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If Someone Dies at Home
If the death was expected, you should contact the person's GP surgery or NHS 111 if the GP surgery is closed. A doctor, nurse or other authorised healthcare professional will confirm the death and explain what happens next.
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If the person was receiving end-of-life care, there may already be an agreed plan in place. The healthcare team involved in their care should be able to advise you on the next steps.​
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If the death was unexpected, you should call 999. The emergency services will attend and decide what needs to happen next.
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In some cases, the death may need to be referred to the Coroner. This is a normal legal process and does not necessarily mean there is a concern about how the person died. You should not move the person or make arrangements for them to be taken elsewhere until you have received advice from the relevant professionals.
If Someone Dies in the Hospital
If someone dies in hospital, the hospital team will explain the immediate arrangements and advise you what happens next. The hospital will usually provide information about when the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be available and whether any further enquiries are needed.
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You will normally be contacted when the necessary paperwork has been completed and you are able to register the death. Once you have spoken with the hospital, you can contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors to discuss bringing your loved one into our care and planning the next steps.​ You do not need to have made every decision about the funeral before contacting us. We can explain the options available and help you understand the process.
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For families in Shropshire, the main hospitals are the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. If your loved one died in hospital, the hospital's bereavement team will explain the next steps and advise you when the necessary paperwork is available. If you need information about a death in a particular hospital, it's always best to contact that hospital directly, as procedures can vary between NHS trusts.
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Mytton Oak Road
Shrewsbury
SY3 8XQ
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​Telephone: 01743 261000
Website: https://www.sath.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/getting-to-us/royal-shrewsbury-hospital/
Princess Royal Hospital
Apley Castle
Telford
TF1 6TF
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Telephone: 01952 641222
Website: https://www.sath.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/getting-to-us/princess-royal-hospital/
If Someone Dies in a Care Home or Nursing Home
Care homes and nursing homes usually have procedures in place for when a resident dies. The care team will contact the appropriate healthcare professional to confirm the death and will usually inform the person's next of kin. They will also explain any immediate arrangements and provide guidance about what happens next.
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Many families choose to contact a funeral director at this stage so that practical arrangements can begin. We can liaise with care homes directly and arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care at the appropriate time.
If the Death Was Unexpected
When a death is sudden or unexpected, the process can be different.
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The emergency services may attend, and the death may be referred to the Coroner. The Coroner's role is to establish the cause of death and decide whether any further investigation is required. If this happens, there may be a delay before the death can be registered. This can also affect when the funeral can take place.
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We understand that this can be confusing. We can explain what is happening and keep you updated as the process moves forward.
When Should You Contact a Funeral Director?
You can contact a funeral director as soon as the death has been confirmed.
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You do not need to wait until the death has been registered before getting advice. Many people contact us early because they want to understand what happens next, even if they are not ready to discuss every funeral arrangement immediately.
At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we can help with:
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Arranging the transfer of your loved one into our care.
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Explaining the next stages of the process.
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Advising on burial and cremation options.
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Liaising with hospitals, care homes and other organisations.
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Helping you make funeral arrangements at a pace that suits you.
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Our role is to make the practical side of arranging a funeral as straightforward as possible.
Registering a Death
In England and Wales, a death must usually be registered before the funeral can take place. The process normally begins once the Medical Examiner's Office has completed its checks and confirmed that the registration can go ahead. A death should generally be registered within five days of receiving confirmation that you can do so, unless the Coroner is involved.
The registration is carried out by a local registrar. You will usually need information about the person who has died, including:
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Their full name.
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Date and place of birth.
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Address.
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Details of their occupation.
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Information about their spouse or civil partner, where applicable.
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The registrar will provide the documents needed for the funeral arrangements to continue.
If the Coroner is involved, the registration process may be different and can take longer. We can explain how this affects the funeral arrangements.
Arranging a Funeral
Once the necessary paperwork is underway, we can begin discussing the funeral arrangements. Every funeral is different, and there are a range of options available.
Some of the decisions you may need to consider include:
Burial or Cremation
You may already know whether you would prefer a burial or cremation. If you are unsure, we can explain both options and help you understand what is involved.
Choosing a Service
A funeral can take place in many different settings, including a church, crematorium chapel or another suitable venue. Some families choose a religious service, while others prefer a non-religious ceremony led by a celebrant.
Personal Choices
You may also wish to consider:
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Music
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Readings
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Floral tributes
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Donations to charities
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Orders of service
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Funeral vehicles
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Coffin choices
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​There is no requirement to make all decisions immediately. We will explain the options clearly and help you arrange a funeral that meets your wishes and circumstances.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
Arranging a funeral involves many practical details, particularly at a time when families may be dealing with a recent loss. Our role is to manage those arrangements and provide clear advice throughout the process.
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We can help with:
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Bringing your loved one into our care.
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Liaising with relevant organisations.
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Advising on funeral options.
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Arranging cremation or burial services.
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Coordinating venues and service details.
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Organising funeral vehicles.
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Helping with printed materials and other arrangements.
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As an independent funeral director serving Shropshire and Mid Wales, we focus on providing straightforward guidance and professional support from the first conversation onwards.
With you every step of the way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact a funeral director?
You can contact us as soon as the death has been confirmed. You do not need to wait until the death has been registered.
How long after someone dies does the funeral take place?
There is no fixed timescale. The timing depends on several factors, including registration, whether the Coroner is involved, availability of the crematorium or cemetery, and the family's wishes.
Can I arrange a funeral before registering the death?
You can speak with a funeral director and begin making arrangements before registration is complete. However, certain documents are required before the funeral can proceed.
What happens if the Coroner is involved?
The Coroner may become involved when the cause of death is unclear, unexpected, or requires further investigation. They will advise when the death can be registered and when funeral arrangements can continue.