Support & Practical Guidance
Arranging a funeral can feel overwhelming, particularly in the days following a loss. We provide clear guidance on the next steps, legal requirements, and the support available to you.
What to Do Following a Loss
The loss of someone close can be distressing, and understanding what needs to happen next can help bring some reassurance at a difficult time. The steps to follow may vary depending on whether the death occurs at home, in hospital, or in a care setting.
If a Death Occurs at Home
If someone passes away at home, you should contact their GP surgery or call NHS 111 outside of normal hours. A doctor will attend to confirm the death.
Read More
Once the death has been confirmed, you can reach out to us as your chosen funeral directors.
The GP will notify the Medical Examiner, who will then contact you to discuss the cause of death. The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually sent to the registrar within a few days. After receiving the certificate, the registrar will get in touch to arrange an appointment to register the death. This must be done in the area where the death occurred.
If a Death Occurs in Hospital
When a death happens in hospital, the bereavement team will coordinate with the Medical Examiner, who will contact you to discuss the cause of death.
Read More
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is typically sent to the registrar within a few days.
Once the registrar receives it, they will contact you to arrange an appointment to register the death. Registration must take place in the area where the death occurred.
If a Death Occurs in a Nursing or Care Home
If someone passes away in a nursing or care home, the staff will notify a doctor, who will attend to confirm the death. Once this has been done, either you or a member of staff can contact us as your chosen funeral directors.
Read More
The GP surgery will then liaise with the Medical Examiner, who will get in touch with you to discuss the cause of death.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually sent to the registrar within a few days. After receiving the certificate, the registrar will contact you to arrange an appointment to register the death. Registration must take place in the area where the death occurred.
Registering a Death
When registering a death, you will need to provide the following information:
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Issued by the attending doctor and sent to the registrar.
Full Name of the Deceased
Date and Place of Birth
Occupation
Or former occupation if retired.
If the deceased was a married woman, additional details are required:
Maiden Name
Husband’s Full Name & Occupation
Once the death is registered, you will receive:
A White Certificate
For use with the Department for Work and Pensions.
A Green Certificate
This can be provided to us to allow arrangements to proceed.
Registry Offices Near You
Below are the contact details for local registry offices where deaths can be officially registered.
For Shropshire
Ludlow Library, 7/9 Parkway, Ludlow SY8 2PG
0345 678 9016
registrars@shropshire.gov.uk
For Herefordshire
Gardner Hall, Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT
01432 260 565
registrars@herefordshire.gov.uk
For Worcestershire
Kidderminster Registry Office, Finepoint Way, Wyre Forest House, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF
01905 768 181
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Malvern Registry Office
The Library/Contact Centre, Graham Road, Malvern, WR14 2HU
01905 768 181
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Worcester Registry Office
County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP
01905 768 181
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Who Is Eligible to Register a Death?
A close family member of the deceased
A relative who was with the deceased during their final illness
A relative living in the area where the death took place
Someone who was present at the time of death
The person responsible for arranging the funeral
Details You’ll Need for Registration
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death – this will be provided directly to the registrar by the Medical Examiner
Full name of the deceased, including any previous names or maiden names
Date and place of birth
Birth certificate, if available
Usual home address of the deceased
Occupation (and, if relevant, the spouse’s occupation)
Date and location of death
Certificates Provided by the Registrar
Certificate for Cremation or Burial – often called the green certificate, this is required by the funeral home to proceed with the service. The registry office can send it directly to us by email.
Death Certificate – this is the official record of the death in the register. We recommend obtaining several copies, as they are often needed for banks, insurance companies, and other legal matters. Additional copies usually carry a small fee.
H.M. Coroner – When Their Involvement Is Required
If the deceased has not seen their usual doctor within the past 14 days, or if there are any unusual or unexplained circumstances surrounding the death, the case may be referred to the Coroner.
The Coroner will guide you through the process and explain any procedures they may take. Depending on their involvement, the steps for registration and documentation may differ from the usual process.
In cases under the Coroner’s investigation, the GP does not issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Instead, the Coroner will advise you on where and when to register the death and will provide the necessary information to the registrar.
You can still contact Caldicott’s Funeral Directors during this time. We are here to offer guidance, answer your questions, and help you plan funeral arrangements if needed.
By Your Side in Difficult Times
To talk through your needs, please call us on…
01584 810281
Alternatively, you can enquire with us by clicking the button below.
Contact Us
Whether you have questions or want to talk things through, we're here for you.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
*24 hours a day, 365 days a year, phoneline available on 07976 082 203
Our Office
Albert House, 15 Market Street,
Tenbury Wells, WR15 8BH.
tel. 01584 810281
email. info@caldicottsfunerals.co.uk
www.caldicottsfunerals.co.uk
