When they've just died
At home
Call the person’s doctor, or the NHS helpline on 111.
If the death is unexpected, you must call the emergency services.
In a care home
The care home will call the doctor. The doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
In hospital
If the death was expected, a hospital doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Contacting a funeral director
If you want to use a funeral director’s services, you can contact them at any point. There is more information on funeral directors in Section 3: Arrange the funeral.
Page last updated: 29 September 2023