A Guide from Worcestershire Direct Cremations
Losing a loved one is one of life's most challenging experiences. Understanding the steps to take can help ease the burden during this difficult time. This guide provides clear instructions and useful resources for families in Worcestershire, ensuring you are supported every step of the way.
1. Notify the Relevant Authorities
At Home:
-
If the death occurs at home, contact the deceased's GP or call 111 outside of normal hours. They will advise you on the next steps.
In a Hospital, Hospice or Care Home:
-
If the death occurs in a hospital, hospice or care home, the staff will inform you of the next steps and provide the necessary paperwork.
2. Contact a Funeral Director
Once the death is confirmed, contact a funeral director. Worcestershire Direct Cremations provides compassionate and professional services, ensuring your loved one is treated with
dignity and respect. We handle all arrangements locally and will guide you through the process with care and understanding.
3. Death Certification Process
Under current regulations:
-
A Medical Examiner reviews the circumstances surrounding the death and either approves the cause of death or refers the case to a coroner
-
If referred, the coroner will determine whether further investigation is required
4. Registering the Death
The death must be registered within five days of the Medical Examiner's approval. To do this, you will need:
-
A medical certificate showing the cause of death.
-
Personal details of the deceased (full name, date and place of birth, address, and occupation).
-
Details of a spouse or civil partner, if applicable.
-
Details of the person registering the death and their relationship to the decease.
5. Arranging the Funeral
Once the death is registered, funeral arrangements can begin. At Worcestershire Direct Cremations, we offer simple and dignified direct cremation services. Our team handles everything from paperwork to the return of ashes within five working days, giving you the time and space to plan a personal tribute.
6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters
-
Notify banks, insurance providers, and other organisations of the death.
-
Begin the probate process if there is a will, or follow intestacy laws if there isn't one.
7. Seek Grief Support
Grieving is a natural process, and support is available. Reach out to family, friends, or professional bereavement counsellors for help. There are several resources in Worcestershire to assist you through this difficult time.
Additional Guidance
Coroner Involvement
A coroner may need to be involved if the death was sudden, unexplained, or the deceased wasn't under medical care. In such cases, a post-mortem or inquest may be required.
Tell Us Once Service
The Tell Us Once service notifies government departments about the death, including:
-
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
-
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
-
DVLA
-
Passport Office
-
Local council services
Other Contacts to Notify
-
Car insurers (policies must be updated or cancelled).
-
Doctor, dentist, or hospital (to cancel appointments).
-
Utility providers and postal services (to redirect mail and close accounts).
Useful Contacts in Worcestershire
Hospitals
-
Worcestershire Royal Hospital:
-
Alexandra Hospital, Redditch:
-
Kidderminster Hospital:
Register Offices
-
Worcestershire Register Office:
-
Redditch Register Office:
-
Kidderminster Register Office:
Coroners
-
Worcestershire Coroner's Office:
Grief Support
-
Cruse Bereavement Care:
-
Samaritans:
-
Worcestershire Bereavement Support:
Local helpline available via Worcestershire Council.
When the time comes to make arrangements, Worcestershire Direct Cremations is here to support you with compassion and understanding. Contact us today to discuss your needs, and let us help you say goodbye in a way that feels meaningful and dignified.
At Worcestershire Direct Cremations
We proudly provide compassionate services to families in Worcestershire and the surrounding regions. Below are some of the key population areas we serve:
Worcestershire
-
Worcester
-
Malvern
-
Ledbury
-
Colwall
-
Droitwich Spa
-
Kidderminster
-
Bromsgrove
-
Redditch
-
Evesham
-
Pershore
-
Stourport-on-Severn
-
Bewdley
Surrounding Areas
-
Stratford-upon-Avon
-
Cheltenham
-
Gloucester
-
Hereford
-
Tewkesbury
-
Stratford-upon-Avon
-
Cheltenham
-
Gloucester
-
Hereford
-
Tewkesbury
Our wide service area ensures families throughout Worcestershire and nearby towns have
access to local, respectful, and professional care during their time of need.
Contact us today
Worcestershire Direct Cremations is here to support you with compassion and understanding. Contact us today to discuss your needs, and let us help you say goodbye in a way that feels meaningful and dignified
