S.D.BROWN FUNERAL DIRECTORS
We are here to help you arrange the funeral you want for your loved one
WHEN SOMEONE DIES
In Northern Ireland over half the deaths that occurred in 2016 were in hospitals, almost one third were at home, and the remaining twenty percent at nursing homes. Each situation will require you to act; below is a guide to assist you.
WHEN A LOVED ONE OF YOURS DIES IN HOSPITAL
• The nursing staff will advise you to contact your funeral director.
• We will then arrange with the hospital to pick up the loved one from the hospital and take the remains to an agreed address.
• We will then meet with you and discuss your funeral arrangements.
• Please note in some cases the doctor may be unable to issue a medical certificate for the cause of death, the death will then be referred to the coroner, who may order a post mortem examination. This process will prolong the process, however please contact us at your earliest convenience, we are here for you.
WHEN A LOVED ONE OF YOURS DIES AT HOME
• You should call the family doctor, who will certify the death.
• The doctor will call at the house, and if the death was expected, or the doctor had been with the deceased within the last 28 days, they should be able to issue a medical certificate giving the cause of death.
• You may then call upon our services, ie. preparation of the deceased, conveyance to funeral home, meet with you to discuss the funeral arrangements.
• Please note if the death was sudden or unexpected the PSNI may be asked to visit, they will allow the funeral director of your choice to remove the deceased to the public mortuary.
REGISTERING A DEATH. WHEN?
A death should be registered within 5 days from the date of death, except were the matter has been referred to the Coroner. You will require the medical certificate which states the cause of death – issued by the doctor. There is no cost to register a death. A charge will be made for copies of the death certificate if required. You can register the death with the Registrar at the office of Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages – for Lisburn area you will register a death at the Civic Centre.
WHO CAN REGISTER A DEATH?
• Any relative of the deceased who has knowledge of the details required to be registered.
• A person taking care of the funeral arrangements.
• The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate.
• The occupier, at the time of death, of the premises in which the death occurred.
• A person finding the body, or a person taking charge of the body.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED TO GIVE THE REGISTRAR?
• Full name of the deceased.
• Date and place of death and usual address.
• Marital status.
• Date and place of birth.
• Occupation of the deceased.
• Maiden surname.
• If the deceased was a wife or widow, the full names and occupation of her husband ( or deceased husband ) will be required. If the deceased was a child, the full names and occupation of the father will be required, or where the parents are not married the full names and occupations of the mother will be required.
THE REGISTRAR WILL ISSUE TO YOU:
• GRO 21 which will permit the burial or cremation to take place.
• Form 36 for production to the Social Security Offices regarding benefits.
Should you have any concerns or questions regarding registering the death of your loved one, please do not hesitate to contact our office – we are here for you.