What to do after a death
When someone dies, there can be many practical things to arrange at a time when you may be feeling shocked or distressed. This page offers guidance on what to do in the first few days and where to find support.
If at any time you feel unable to cope emotionally, please contact the practice. We can offer support, advice, and information about services available to help you following a bereavement.
In the first few days
Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
This will be issued by the GP practice or the hospital where the person passed away.
Please note: In some circumstances, the death must be referred to the Coroner. If this happens, there may be a delay in issuing the certificate.
Register the death (within 5 days)
You must register the death within 5 days in England.
To make an appointment, contact:
Staffordshire County Council
Telephone: 0300 111 8001
You can also find further information on the Staffordshire County Council website.
Arrange the funeral
Once the death has been registered, you will be given documents that allow you to arrange the funeral with a funeral director.
Tell Us Once service
Staffordshire County Council provides a service called Tell Us Once. This service notifies relevant government departments of the death on your behalf, including:
DVLA
DWP
HMRC
Passport Office
Local Council services
You do not have to use this service if you prefer to contact organisations yourself.
Help with funeral costs
If you receive certain benefits and are responsible for arranging the funeral, you may be able to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment.
Information on how to apply is available here.
You do not need to deal with everything straight away
You do not need to sort out the person’s will, money, or property immediately. These matters can wait until you feel ready.
Emotional support and bereavement help
Grief affects everyone differently. Support is available if you need it.
Age UK
Offers helpful advice and information on coping with bereavement.
Dove Service
A bereavement and loss support charity covering:
Stoke-on-Trent
North Staffordshire
Cheshire
They provide practical and emotional support following a death.
Access to PCN Mental Health Practitioners and Social Prescribers
In addition to the support above, patients can access Primary Care Network (PCN) mental health practitioners and social prescribers for holistic bereavement support:
PCN Mental Health Practitioners provide counselling, therapy, and emotional support for grief, anxiety, and depression.
Social Prescribers help with practical and social needs, connecting patients to community resources and activities to reduce isolation.
Ask your GP about referral to these services. They complement other support, are confidential, and are tailored to your needs.
If you would like support, advice, or someone to talk to, please contact the practice.
You do not have to go through this alone.
