A Simple Guide to Help You Through a Difficult Time
Losing a loved one is an incredibly emotional experience, and knowing the practical steps to take can help ease the burden during such a challenging time.
As of 9th September 2024, new UK regulations regarding death certification have come into effect.
This guide offers a step-by-step overview of what to do when someone passes away in York and the surrounding areas, ensuring that legal, practical, and emotional matters are handled with care and respect.
1. Notify the Relevant Authorities
If the Death Occurs at Home:
- Contact the deceased’s GP if the death was expected.
- If it happens outside GP hours, call 111 for assistance.
- A qualified medical professional will attend to confirm the death.
If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home:
- Staff will take care of initial procedures and guide you through the next steps.
- They will arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected:
- Call 999 immediately
- Police and paramedics will attend and, if necessary, refer the case to the Coroner.
2. Contact a Funeral Director
Once death has been confirmed, you can contact a funeral director to begin arrangements.
At York Direct Cremation, we offer compassionate, clear guidance to help you through each step
We will:
- Arrange the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care.
- Handle all paperwork and legal requirements.
- Support you with planning a simple, respectful cremation service.
3. Understanding the Death Certification Process
Under the 2024 regulations, all deaths must be independently reviewed by a Medical Examiner before a death certificate is issued.
How It Works:
- The Medical Examiner reviews medical records and consults the attending doctor.
- They determine if the attending doctor can issue the death certificate or if a coroner's referral is necessary.
- If no further investigation is needed, the death certificate is issued.
4. Registering the Death
You must register the death within five days at the register office in the district where the death occurred.
Who Can Register:
- A close relative.
- A person present at the time of death.
- The person arranging the funeral (not the funeral director).
Documents Needed:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
- Deceased’s full name, date of birth, and last address.
- Deceased’s occupation and marital status.
- Details of surviving spouse or civil partner.
- Information about any pensions or benefits.
Registrar Offices Near York (Within 30 Miles):
York Register Office
56 Bootham, York, YO30 7DA
Tel: 01904 654477
York Register Office Website
Selby Register Office
Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby, YO8 9FT
Tel: 01609 780780
Malton Register Office
County Hall, Racecourse Lane, Malton, YO17 7LT
Tel: 01609 780780
Harrogate Register Office
Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 1EG
Tel: 01609 780780
Pocklington Registration Office
Burnby Hall, Pocklington, YO42 2QF
Tel: 01482 393600
5. Arranging the Funeral
At York Direct Cremation, we offer
Once the death has been registered, funeral arrangements can proceed.
- Local, dignified care — your loved one stays in York and nearby areas.
- Direct access to our experienced funeral directors — no call centres.
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees.
We provide a simple, respectful direct cremation service, allowing you the flexibility to arrange a personal memorial in your own time.
6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters
Following the funeral, you may need to manage the deceased’s affairs:
- Notify banks, insurers, pension providers, and other institutions.
- Apply for probate if a will exists, or manage the estate through intestacy if no will is in place.
- Use the Tell Us Once service to inform government departments like HMRC, DWP, and DVLA.
7. Coroner Involvement
A Coroner may be involved if:
- The cause of death is unclear.
- The deceased was not seen by a doctor within the last 14 days.
- The death was sudden, violent, or unexplained.
- It occurred during surgery or medical treatment.
If a Coroner investigates, the death cannot be registered until inquiries are complete. Interim certificates can be issued if needed.
Local Coroner's Office:
North Yorkshire (Western Area) Coroner’s Office
County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD
Tel: 01609 643614
North Yorkshire Coroner’s Service
Bereavement Support Services
Grieving is a personal journey, and support is available:
Cruse Bereavement Support (York)
St Leonard’s Hospice Bereavement Support
Mind York
Harrogate Register Office
Samaritans (available 24/7)
Local Hospitals (Within 30-Mile Radius of York)
York Hospital
Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE
Tel: 01904 631313
Harrogate District Hospital
Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX
Tel: 01423 885959
Scarborough Hospital
Woodlands Drive, Scarborough, YO12 6QL
Tel: 01723 368111
Selby War Memorial Hospital
Doncaster Road, Selby, YO8 9BX
Tel: 01757 210246
Pinderfields Hospital (Edge of 30 miles)
Aberford Road, Wakefield, WF1 4DG
Tel: 01924 541000
Contact Us
For caring, straightforward advice and support, contact York Direct Cremation.
We are here 24/7 to guide you with compassion and professionalism.
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01133227135
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120A-122, Crossgates Road, Leeds, LS15 7NL
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info@yorkdirectcremation.co.uk
Proudly serving York and all surrounding areas within a 30-mile radius.
