If the death occurs at home

If the death was expected, contact the doctor who attended the deceased during their final illness. If the doctor can certify the cause of death he or she will give you the following:

• a Medical Certificate that shows the cause of death (this will be in a sealed envelope, addressed to the registrar), and
• a Formal Notice that states that the doctor has signed the Medical Certificate and tells you how to get the death registered. The death must be registered in the sub-district where the death took place
• You may wish to contact the deceased’s minister of religion if you have not already done so. Arrangements for the funeral may be made by a funeral director.

If death followed illness from HIV or AIDS there may be special rules about handling the body. The following organisations can advise on funeral arrangements:

• Terrence Higgins Trust.

If you discover a body or the death is sudden or unexpected, you should contact the following people

• the family doctor (if known)
• the deceased’s nearest relative
• the deceased’s minister of religion
• the police, who will help find the people listed above if necessary.

If there is any reason to suspect that the death was not due to natural causes, do not touch or remove anything in the room. The death may be referred to the coroner

If death occurs abroad, or on a foreign ship or aircraft, there is a different procedure to follow