Useful information when someone passes away
Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. We understand this is an emotional time for family and friends, and it can feel overwhelming with responsibilities of funeral arrangements. Shayne Stork Family Funeral Services are dedicated to making this difficult time as stress free as possible for all those involved. Shayne and his team offer comforting guidance and support to ensure we are here for you every step of the way. We have put together some useful information for when someone passes away, which we hope helps make the process a little easier for you.
We're there when you need us; 24 hours a day on 01603 702702
If the death occurs at home
When a loved one passes away at home, you will need to telephone the doctor, who will visit to confirm and certify the death. Once the Doctor has certified and advised you to contact the Funeral Director, you can call us at any time of the day or night on 01603 702702. Shayne will offer you advice and arrange a suitable time for us to attend the home and convey the deceased into our care. A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (also known as MCCD) will be issued by the doctors surgery, which is normally ready to be collected the next working day. Once you have the medical certificate, you will need to book an appointment at the Registrar's Office.
If the death occurs in Hospital
When someone passes away in hospital, you may be offered to spend some time with them on the ward or in a Chapel of Rest. You will need to telephone the Bereavement Office at the hospital on the first working day following death, and the staff will arrange an appointment for you to collect the Medical Certificate from the Bereavement Office. Once you have made an appointment to collect the certificate, you need to contact the Registrar's Office to book an appointment. In most cases the death will need to be registered before the Funeral Director can collect your loved on from the hospital. Please contact us on 01603 702702 and we can begin preparing the details.
If the death occurs at a Nursing or Residential Home
Most homes will already have a note of the selected Funeral Director, and will contact us directly in the event of death. When the home contacts us, we will arrange to convey the deceased into our care. A medical certificate will be issued by the doctors surgery, which is normally ready to be collected the next working day. Once you have the medical certificate, you will need to book an appointment at the Registrar's Office.
Coroner
On occasions when someone dies suddenly or unexpectedly, the death may be reported to the coroner by a doctor or police. The Coroners duty is to establish cause of death when a doctor is unable to issue a death certificate. Procedures for registering a death are different when a Coroner is involved, they will offer you guidance on this - however please do not hesitate to contact us on 01603 702702 and we can offer additional advice.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral can't be held until the death has been registered, however you can start arranging the funeral immediately. You are able to contact Shayne Stork Family Funeral Directors on 01603 702702 at any time, and Shayne will be able to give you support from the beginning. If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan with us, we will be able to begin putting in place their wishes.
Shayne Stork Family Funeral Services office is located at 104-106 Sprowston Road in Norwich, Norfolk. We invite you to call us to arrange a suitable time to visit for a cup of tea and discuss funeral plans for your loved one. Alternatively Shayne can visit you at home if you would prefer.
Process for registration of a death
A death must be registered within 5 days. You can register the death at any Registrar Office but if you do it in the district where the person dies, you will often receive the documents you need straight away.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by the doctor or hospital) should be taken to the Registrar's Office along with, if possible, the Medical Card and Birth Certificate of the deceased. The Registrar will issue a green certificate, which is required by the funeral directors in order for the funeral to take place. This is an important document so should be given to the Funeral Director as soon as possible.
The Registrar will require the following information of the deceased:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Marital status
- Home address
- Last occupation (even if retired)
- If married at date of death, the date of birth of the surviving partner
- If female and married or widowed, the maiden name and husband's full name and occupation
Local Registrar's Offices
Please note that all registrars require you to make an appointment to register a death. Appointments are available to book by telephone or many registrar's have online booking available.
County Hall
The Archive Centre
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DQ
Telephone: 0344 800 8020
Website: Click here
Earlham Library
Colman Road
Norwich
NR4 7HG
Telephone: 0344 800 8020
Website: Click here
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust
Colney Lane
Norwich
NR4 7UY
Telephone: 01603 287165
Website: Click here
Copies of the Death Certificate
You may require copies of the death certificate, this can be purchased from the registrar. It is useful to get a copy, as often a death certificate is required for official purposes such as closing bank accounts, utility providers and credit card companies.