Steps To Take

When Death Occurs

Taking the next steps after losing a loved one

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience, and it can be overwhelming to know what to do next. In such moments of shock and mourning, having a clear set of steps to follow can provide guidance and support. These steps can help you make informed decisions during a time when clarity may be hard to come by. From notifying the relevant authorities to arranging the funeral service and handling the necessary paperwork, each step is designed to help you navigate this difficult time with as much ease and understanding as possible. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary actions while also giving yourself the space and time to grieve.

At Home

When someone dies at home, a doctor will need to confirm the death. This may be the person’s GP, or an out-of-hours doctor. Do not move the body. Once the doctor has confirmed the death, you can call us to arrange for us to collect the person who has died and bring them into our care. We’re available 24/7.

You can then make contact with the GP’s surgery to arrange to collect the Medical Certificate which will state the Cause of Death. If you cannot get hold of a doctor, call a Paramedic or the Police to issue a Report Form SP180 and a Declaration of Death.

At a Nursing Home or Hospital

When someone dies at hospital or in a Nursing Home, the Doctor, Matron or Nurse in charge will advise you when you can move the body. Call us to arrange the collection of the body. Please inform the hospital that Goodies Funerals will doing the removal. The hospital will issue the Notification of Death (DHA 1663) to us as well as a Medical Certificate for Cremation (Form B), if required.

The deceased’s ID document/card (original) should be handed to us prior to collection as we may need it to present this to the hospital when collecting the certificates. Don’t forget to collect your loved one’s belongings from the hospital.

Unexpected Death

When someone dies unexpectedly, do not move the body. You will need to call the nearest Police Station. They will arrange for the removal of the body to the nearest State Mortuary. It is likely that a post mortem examination will be performed by a Pathologist. The Next-of-Kin will need to go to the Mortuary and identify the deceased, and take their and the deceased’s ID document to show the official.

This, and the deceased’s ID document, needs to be handed to us, who will liaise with the State Mortuary to find out when the deceased will be released, and can be collected by us. The Department of Health will issue the Notification of Death (DHA 1663) to us. No funeral arrangements can be made until the deceased has been released from the State Mortuary.