Losing someone you love is incredibly difficult. The emotional impact can feel overwhelming, yet there are critical practical steps that need to be taken within the first few days. This guide walks you through the immediate actions to take after a death in the UK, helping you approach the situation with clarity and confidence.
Get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
The first formal step is to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is required to legally register the death.
- If the death occurred at home: Contact the person’s GP. They will either visit the home or arrange for a professional to verify the death. The MCCD will then be issued by the GP.
- In a hospital or care home: Staff will take care of verifying the death and will guide you through the steps to collect the MCCD.
- In cases of sudden or unexpected death: If the cause of death is unknown, it will be referred to the local coroner. This could delay the certificate while investigations such as a post-mortem take place.
Pro Tip: Ask medical personnel how the certificate will be delivered to you—by post, email or in person.
Register the Death
Once you have the MCCD, the death must be registered.
- When: This should be done within 5 working days in England and Wales.
- Where: You can visit any Register Office in the area where the death occurred. Many offices allow you to book an appointment online.
- What to bring:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Your form of ID (passport, driving licence)
- Details about the deceased, such as full name, date and place of birth, last address, occupation and NHS number (if known)
Pro Tip: It’s highly recommended to order several certified copies (typically 6–10) of the death certificate. Many institutions will require original copies, especially banks and legal services.
Arrange Care Equipment Collection (if applicable)
If your loved one was receiving care at home, there may be medical or mobility equipment in the house—such as a hospital bed, walking aids or oxygen machines.
You should arrange for these items to be collected to clear the space and begin the process of healing.
Start by contacting:
- Local Authority Adult Social Care
- Hospital discharge teams
- NHS community equipment services
Trinity Homecare can help:
Our experienced care managers can identify which equipment needs to be returned, liaise with local services on your behalf, and ensure a respectful and efficient collection. We know how emotionally challenging it can be to deal with these items and we aim to make the process as smooth and gentle as possible.
Final Thought
In the early days of loss, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking the first steps—whether it’s obtaining essential documents or arranging equipment returns—can feel daunting. This guide offers a roadmap to help lighten that burden.
If you need help navigating these early decisions, Trinity Homecare is here to walk beside you. Our team provides compassionate support, practical guidance and the reassurance that you’re not alone.
To speak with a member of our team, contact Trinity Homecare today. We’re ready to assist you with care, empathy and the respect your family deserves.
