Step 1: Confirm the death and call the right people
If the person was under the care of a GP, hospice team, or had a terminal illness and death was expected:
Contact their GP surgery. A medical professional will need to visit to formally confirm the death.
If the death happens outside of usual surgery hours, you can call 111, who will direct you to the appropriate medical team.
If the death is unexpected, sudden, or the person was not under medical care:
Dial 999 straight away. The ambulance service and possibly the police will attend. They will carry out necessary checks and decide if the death needs to be referred to the coroner. If the Police believe the death of your loved one needs to be referred to the Coroner, their funeral team will collect your loved one and transport them to hospital. Once the Coroner has investigated the death of your loved one, we will then be able to collect your loved one from hospital.
This is standard procedure and nothing to be alarmed about — it ensures everything is handled legally and properly.
Step 2: Contact us — M. Coghlan Funeral Directors
Once the death has been confirmed by a medical professional, you can call us at any time — day or night, 7 days a week. We are a local, independent funeral directors, and we will come to your home to bring your loved one into our care, with the utmost respect and gentleness.
When you call, we will:
- Arrange a time that suits you to collect your loved one
- Explain what happens next and answer all your questions
You do not need to make any big decisions immediately — our team will guide you at your own pace.