Following the Death of a Loved One – Guidance and What to expect from your GP Practice

If the death occurs in Hospital:

1. A hospital doctor who cared for the patient during their final illness usually completes the MCCD..
2. Case is reviewed by the Medical Examiner.
3. If no coroner referral is needed, the hospital doctor completes the MCCD.
4. The bereavement office contacts the family to collect the MCCD and/or sends the MCCD directly to the Register Office.

If the death occurs at home or in a care home:

1. GP is informed and confirms death (or a paramedic does, with GP follow‑up).
2. GP reviews records and decides if they can complete the MCCD.
3. Medical Examiner reviews the case signs the MCCD and returns to the GP.
4. If no coroner referral is needed, the GP completes the MCCD.
5. The GP practice sends the completed MCCD  back to the Medical Examiner for second signing.
6. The Medical Examiner then sends the certificate directly to the Register Office.
7. The next-of-kin will received a confirmation notification that the certificate has been received by the Register Office.

The Coroner Will Be Involved When:

• The cause of death is unknown.
• The death was sudden, unexpected, or unexplained.
• The death may be unnatural (accident, suicide, industrial disease).
• The person died during or shortly after surgery.
• The doctor cannot certify a natural cause.

The Coroner Will Not Be Involved When:

• A doctor can confidently state a natural cause of death.
• The patient was seen during their last illness.
• There are no suspicious or unexplained circumstances.
• The Medical Examiner review raises no concerns.

If the coroner is involved:

• The coroner decides whether to investigate.
• If they take over, the doctor does not issue an MCCD.
• The coroner provides the paperwork needed to register the death.

Once the cause of death certificate is sent to the local Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. You must register the death within 5 days, unless the coroner is involved.

1.Find a Register Office

• You can use any register office, but it’s quickest to go to one in the area where the person died.
• Most offices need you to book an appointment, so call ahead

➡️Find a Register Office

2.Information You’ll Need

The registrar will ask for:

• Date and place of death
• Full name of the person who died (including any previous names)
• Date and place of birth
• Usual address
• Their most recent job (and whether they were retired)
• Whether they received benefits, including State Pension
• Details of their spouse or civil partner (name, date of birth, occupation), even if they have died

If you have them, take any of these documents:

• Birth certificate
• NHS number or medical card
• Passport
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Driving licence
• Proof of address

3.What the Registrar Will Give You

• After the appointment, you will receive:
• A Green Form (certificate for burial or cremation)
• A Tell Us Once code to report the death to government departments
• A death certificate (you’ll need to pay for each copy)