Guidance for All Patients and Families

The death of a loved one can be overwhelming. The steps below summarise what usually needs to happen, in line with UK government guidance.

1. Confirm the Death

  • At home:  A doctor needs to verify the death.  This can be arranged through The Brook Surgery during working and out of hours. Please note the times that one of the Brook Surgery GPs covers the Out of Hours service. In most cases of a death at home, verification can wait until the surgery opens in the morning, although some patients may prefer to use Doctorcall service overnight.  This service can also be arranged through NHS General Practice or the out-of-hours NHS GP service via NHS 111 service out of hours. After the death has been verified, arrangements will need to be made for the deceased’s body to be collected and cared for by a funeral director (also known as an undertaker).
  • You may find it helpful to contact one of the following local funeral directors when you are ready:

    Levertons Independent Funeral Directors
    In Memory of Life
    John Nodes Funeral Service
  • In hospital or care setting: Staff will guide you through the process.

2. Medical Certificate

  • A doctor needs to speak to the Medical Examiner, who will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.  You can find the offices of local Medical Examiners opening hours here. i.e Camden, Barnet, Brent.
  • The ME offices do have on call service for “Faith” Deaths where burial as soon as possible is required on religious grounds.
  • If the Medical examiner cannot ascertain the Cause of Death, the patient’s death must be referred to the coroner, you will be advised of next steps.

3. Register the Death

  • A death must usually be registered within 5 days (sooner in some circumstances).
  • Registration is done with the local registrar office where the death occurred, the Medical Examiner will guide you through this process.
  • You will receive documents needed for funeral arrangements and legal matters.

For Official government guidance: GOV.UK – What to do when someone dies

4. Arrange the Funeral

  • You may contact a funeral director at any point after the death is confirmed.
  • Funeral directors can help liaise with registrars, burial, or cremation services.

5. Tell Government Departments

  • The Tell Us Once service allows you to report the death to most government departments in one step.
  • This service is usually offered when you register the death.

Support from The Brook Surgery

We can assist with:

  • Medical verification and certification where appropriate
  • Liaison with the Medical Examiner service
  • Advice where a coroner referral is required
  • Ongoing support for bereaved family members

If you are unsure what to do next, please contact the practice.

Additional Guidance for Jewish Families

In Jewish tradition, burial is usually arranged as soon as possible. Families are encouraged to contact a Jewish Burial Society (Chevra Kadisha) promptly, including outside normal working hours (except on Shabbat and Jewish festivals).

The following organisations support Jewish burials in Camden, Barnet and Brent:

United Synagogue Burial Society
Western Charitable Foundation
Jewish Joint Burial Society

These organisations can:

  • Provide religious guidance
  • Arrange burial in accordance with Jewish law
  • Liaise with hospitals, registrars and funeral directors
  • Support families unfamiliar with the process

If you are uncertain which Burial Society applies to you, your synagogue or GP can help guide you.

What to Do When Someone Dies