Information for families, carers and friends following the death of a loved one

  • Name of patient:
  • Date and time of verification of death:
  • Name and designation of person verifying death:
  • As death has occurred outside of normal surgery opening hours the following is required:

  • Death has been verified by the person named above.

This is not a death certificate, but allows you to proceed with arrangements.

  • You may now contact a funeral director of your choice.
  • The funeral director will support and advise you on the next steps regarding funeral arrangements.
  • Your loved one will be transferred to the Chapel of Rest.

What happens next?

You will need to contact the deceased person’s GP practice at the earliest opportunity to arrange a time for collection of the death certificate.

In cases of sudden death or notifiable conditions like cancer of the lung, the police will be contacted in order for the Coroner’s Office to be notified. This may slightly delay the collection of the certificate stating the medical cause of death.

After collecting the death certificate from the deceased person’s GP practice it should be taken to the Registrar of Births, Marriages & Deaths and registered.

The Registrar of Births, Marriages & Deaths

The Register Office Town Hall Blackburn BB1 7DY

Tel: 01254 588 660

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9am to 4:30pm

The Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths

  • Lancashire Rose Suite Bow Lane Preston PR1 8SE - 0300 123 6705
  • Devonshire House Devonshire Road Chorley PR7 2BY - 0300 123 6705

You must telephone to make an appointment to register the death.

When registering the death you may find it useful to take the following with you:

  • The deceased person’s medical card

  • Birth certificate

  • Any pension or benefit payment books.

  • Full name, address, last occupation details and where the deceased was born.

If the deceased is a married woman, details of her maiden name, her husband’s name and last occupation.

You may need several copies of the death certificate to organise the deceased person’s estate. A charge will be made for each extra copy you require (photocopies are sometimes not acceptable).

Once you have registered the death you will receive a green form which should be given to the Funeral Director as soon as possible. This provides the necessary permission to finalise the funeral arrangements with you and assist with other help you may require. Since the cost of the funeral arrangements can be quite expensive, it is advisable to discuss any concerns you might have about finances with the funeral director before accepting any contracts.

Bereavement support

The death of someone you love or care for can be a devastating experience, awakening emotions and feelings that you may never have felt before. This is known as “the grieving process”.

Everyone’s reactions to losing someone they love is different; there is no right or wrong way to deal with your own grief.

You may feel some of the following, all of which are normal in times of grief and deep distress.

  • Fear
  • Helplessness and Shame
  • Sadness
  • Anger
  • Regret
  •  Guilt
  • Crying

You may experience any of these emotions, the range and intensity varies from individual to individual. You may also experience physical reactions to what you have gone through, which might include:

  • Tiredness/ over activity
  • Unable to sleep/ sleeping too much
  • Nightmares
  • Loss of appetite/ overeating

The emotional and physical responses described are generally part of the grieving process and taking in what has happened to you. In time, natural healing should follow. There is no time scale, as this depends on you and the circumstances of your loss. Some distress may stay with you for a long time, gradually the pain and the feeling of loss should subside.

The best help and support often comes from the people who you know best and who know you best. Talking to other people who have been bereaved and who have a better understanding of what you are going through can also help.

If you are finding it difficult to cope with the emotions you are feeling and it is affecting your health or daily living, your GP may be able to refer you for counselling.

Suggested companies, services and people who may need informing

  • Solicitors
  • Tell us once service by telephone with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 0800 085 7308
  • Bank / building society, insurance companies
  • Pension providers
  • Place of worship
  • Employer
  • Social services
  • Social security
  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
  • Gas, electricity, Telephone company, Royal Mail, any delivery people, e.g Meals on Wheels
  • Passport Office
  • Nursing services e.g. District Nurse, Marie Curie.
  • Arrangements for collection of any medical equipment provided (District Nurse will advise)

Useful Telephone Numbers

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or contact the PALS Team via email.

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.