In Times of Bereavement

At Rothschild House Group we strive to provide excellent care for our patients in life and in death.

We understand that losing a loved one is very distressing and recognise that the ‘notification of death’ process can be quite overwhelming and complicated. We hope that this page clarifies the process and explains how our team can help you during this difficult time.

When someone dies, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) needs to be issued. Depending on the circumstances around the death, this must be issued by a General Medical Council (GMC) registered doctor, such as their GP, a hospital consultant, or a coroner. Their death can then be registered with the local Registration Office, (please see list below).

Expected Death in the Community 

If a patient dies at home, in a care home or in a nursing home, please notify your GP surgery as soon as possible or the next working day. The patient’s GP will refer to the Medical Examiners (senior doctors) who review the proposed cause of death and authorise the GP to complete the MCCD. Once issued, this will be sent to the Registration Office so you can book an appointment to register the death. The Registry Office will advise what you need to bring with you. The issuing GP will also complete cremation forms for the funeral if requested.

The medical secretarial team will keep you informed throughout the process and if you need any support or further information they can be contacted on 01442 822468 select Option 4, this line is open Monday – Friday 9am -4pm, and there is an option to leave a voicemail, which will be reviewed by our team.

Unexpected Death in the Community

If a patient dies at home unexpectedly, and the emergency services haven’t already been notified, please call 999 to alert them. They will attend the scene and notify the Coroner’s Office.

In the case of any unexpected death the coroner will be informed and will investigate the cause of death (a post-mortem may be required), and once established, the MCCD can be issued.

Death in Hospital

If a patient dies in hospital, the Bereavement Office will be able to advise you as to when the MCCD will be issued from the hospital, plus any other documentation required for funeral arrangements. The Local Hospital Bereavement office contact details are as follows:

• Bucks Hospital Trust: 01296 316646 – bht.bereavementadminoffice@nhs.net
• West Herts Hospital Trust: 01923 217114 – westherts.patientaffairs@nhs.net
• L&D Hospital Trust: 01582 497344 – bhn-tr.bedfordhospitalbereavementservices@nhs.net

Please Note:  In some cases, the doctor may not be able to issue a medical certificate of the cause of death. There may be a number of reasons for this. If the doctor is not able to issue a medical certificate, they will refer the death to the coroner. The coroner may order a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.

Although a death should be registered within five days, registration can be delayed for another nine days if the registrar is told that a medical certificate has been issued.

For more information please visit the Government Website – who have provided a useful step by step guide – click HERE

Useful Contact Information

Medical Examiners (senior doctors):

• BHT Medical Examiner Office: 01296 831919 bht.buckinghamshireexaminerofficers@nhs.net
• West Herts Medical Examiner Office: 01923 436790 westherts.communitymedicalexaminers@nhs.net

Registrars:

• Beds – 0300 300 8089 life.events@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
• Bucks – 01296 382581 registrars.buckinghamshire@gov.uk
• Herts – 0300 1234045 registrars.admin@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Coroners:

• Beds – 0300 300 4023 coroner.service@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
• Bucks – 01494 475505 secure-coroners@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
• Herts – 01707 292707 coroner.service@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Bereavement Services

Grief can be overwhelming, and your surgery is here to support you through this. Please do contact us if you want to access support at this time or make an appointment with your GP.

In addition, there are some specialist organisations equipped to help you deal with the loss of your loved one, as detailed below:

Bereavement support | Central Bedfordshire Council

Bereavement | Family Information Service (buckinghamshire.gov.uk)

Bereavement services | Hertfordshire County Council

Cruse Bereavement Support
Helps anyone suffering bereavement to understand their grief and cope with their loss.
www.cruse.org.uk
01707 278389

CHUMS: Hertfordshire and West Essex suicide bereavement service
Emotional and practical support for adults and children affected by a suicide or suspected suicide death.
www.chums.uk.com/hertfordshire-suicide-bereavement-service
01279 212170

Support After Suicide Partnership
Practical information and emotional support for those with experience of suicide or other unexplained death, including the Help is at Hand resource.
(www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk/help-is-at-hand).
www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
A safe, confidential environment to share experiences and feelings with others for support.
www.uksobs.org
0300 111 5065
watford@uksobs.org (Watford)

NHS Talking Spaces
Webinar – book in advance for particular time and date. Participants do not use a camera or mic, only the chatbox, it is completely anonymous:  https://www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk/resources-and-self-help/webinars/bereavement-living-grief-and-loss

Practice Counselling Services
Via GP Referral