Deaths
Bereavement
The death of someone close to you can be particularly distressing and the steps between death and burial or cremation can feel overwhelming. The following information provides an overview of the death registration process in Wales and guidance about what to expect when someone dies.
Step one – before a death can be registered
Step two – the Medical Examiner Service for Wales
Step three – referring the death to the registrar
Step four - registering the death
Step five – planning the funeral
Death certification timescales in Wales
Step one – before a death can be registered
A qualified clinician (for example a doctor, nurse or paramedic) will verify that the person has died. How this happens may depend on the person’s location at the time of death. A doctor who has seen them during life (Attending Practitioner) will then refer the death to either His Majesty’s Coroner for investigation, or the Medical Examiner Service for Wales for independent scrutiny.
There are several reasons why a death may need to be referred to and investigated by the Coroner, including accidents, trauma, self-harm or simply where the cause of death is unknown. Most deaths do not need to be referred to the Coroner, and even when the Coroner does need to be informed, this does not always mean there is a problem or that a post-mortem is needed.
If the death does not need to be referred to the Coroner, the doctor must draft a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and send this, along with details of the next of kin and copies of the medical notes to the Medical Examiner Service.
Step two – the Medical Examiner Service for Wales
The Medical Examiner Service provides independent scrutiny of all deaths that occur in Wales that are not referred directly to the Coroner for investigation. It aims to improve public safety, ensure death certificates are accurate, as well as avoid unnecessary distress for bereaved persons.
When scrutinising a death, the Medical Examiner Service will review the medical records and consider if there were problems with any of the care provided to the deceased. During this process, the Medical Examiner Service will also speak to the next of kin or family to explain the cause of death and answer any questions they may have.
Any concerns raised by the next of kin or family will be referred to the care provider or the Coroner for further investigation if required.
Step three – referring the death to the registrar
Once the Medical Examiner Service has scrutinised the death and the doctor has completed the Medical Certificate Cause of Death, the certificate will be countersigned by the Medical Examiner and sent electronically to the Registrar in the local authority area (district) where the death occurred. The Medical Examiner Service will also share the contact details for the next of kin or family to allow the Registrar to plan for the death to be registered.
Step four - registering the death
Once the Registrar has received the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, an appointment can be made to register the death: How to register a death (opens in a new tab). The Registrar aims to register the death within five days of receiving the Medical Certificate Cause of Death from the Medical Examiner Service.
Step five - planning a funeral
Funeral planning can start before the death has been registered and families can speak to the Funeral Director to arrange to see their loved ones before burial or cremation, where it is possible to do so. Once the death has been registered, the Registrar will issue a green form which confirms that the Funeral Director can proceed with the burial or cremation.
The choice of funeral directors is important. The funeral standards Council, the National Association of Funeral Directors (opens in a new tab) and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (opens in a new tab) all have a code of practice. Members of these trade bodies should give you an estimate of costs -their own fees and those fees which should be added to your account. (eg ministers fees). It is possible to pay for your funeral in advance if you want.
For more information about this contact a reputable Funeral Director - one who is a member of one the recognised associations.
Religious funerals
A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life, which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping.
The funeral service may be held in a persons home, church, a cemetery, a crematorium, chapel, mosque or temple. It can be very short and quiet with only a few members of the family present or a larger celebration of joy and thanksgiving for a life.
Non religious funerals
If you want a non-religious funeral, then the British Humanist Association (opens in a new tab) runs a helpline (020 7079 3580) which will put you in touch with a local secular officiant.
Alternative funerals
A small but growing number of DIY funerals are held every year. Some people desire to be personally involved at every stage of saying farewell to the deceased Some people desire to find an inexpensive or greener alternative to the conventional funeral. You can deal with all the arrangements (from the time of death to the final interment) or you can arrange to handle just a part of the ceremonies. The Natural Death Centre (opens in a new tab) publishes a resource list for DIY burials. Telephone them on 020 7359 8391
Death certification timescales in Wales
Everyone in the death certification process will work together to ensure that a death can be registered at the earliest opportunity and to avoid delays wherever possible. However, matters such as access to medical records, contact with families, seasonal demands and further investigation by the Coroner may impact on timeliness.
The aim is for death certification to be completed within nine days however please note that in some circumstances this may take longer, for example where the cause of death is complex, or information has not been made available in a timely manner.
Additional information
Regardless of the reason that someone has died, coming to terms with what has happened can be particularly difficult. People experience grief differently and some may want or need additional support during this time. Further information about help and support can be found on your local health board website.
The UK Government website includes a detailed guide about the additional steps that need to be taken when someone dies, including notifying relevant government departments and dealing with the estate of the deceased.