Bereavement
This page aims to provide some useful help and advice with the arrangements for dealing with a death.
If the Death Occurs in Hospital
If the death occurs in hospital, the hospital staff will contact the person named by the deceased as next of kin. This may be, but need not be a relative. You may, if you wish, request to see the hospital chaplain. Most funeral directors have a chapel of rest in which the deceased will be held pending the funeral. The hospital will arrange for the nearest relative to collect the deceased's possessions.
If the Death Occurs Elsewhere
Expected Death
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 is free of charge and will be in a sealed envelope addressed to the registrar).
- a Formal Notice that states that the doctor has signed the Medical Certificate and tells you how to get the death registered.
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 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 from the room. The death may be referred to the coroner. The doctor may ask the relatives for permission to carry out a post-mortem examination.
This is a medical examination of the body which can find out more about the cause of the death and should not delay the funeral.
Funeral Arrangements
When the death certificate has been issued by the Registrar, you will also be given a certificate authorising the funeral. The choice of a firm of funeral directors is important as you should feel comfortable and confident with them. They may be known to you personally, may be recommended by a friend, your GP or religious adviser or may just have a good reputation in your area.
Two online directories where you can search for Funeral Directors are Yellow Pages and Scoot
The Funeral Standards Council, National Association of Funeral Directors & Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors all have a code of practice and should give you an estimate of costs - their own and those fees they will pay on your behalf and add to the account.
You can ask for this estimate in advance and it's a good idea to ask different firms to quote so that you can compare costs.
Your funeral director can make all the arrangements for the funeral, burial or cremation, religious or secular service. The funeral director can also advise on all the procedures and documents needed to register the death.
If you are considering a headstone most cemeteries will advise to wait for a period of approximately six months before placing it. However, we suggest you contact your preferred choice of monumental mason as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delay after this waiting period.
Non-Religious Services
There is no requirement to have a religious ceremony, or any kind of ceremony at all at a funeral. People that regard religion to be unimportant or have made a decision to live their lives without it may prefer a Humanist Ceremony
This type of ceremony is not intended to oppose a religious funeral, but to provide a dignified and respectful celebration of the death that has occurred.
At this type of funeral the services of an officiant, on the lines of a minister or celebrant are commonly employed. They will conduct the proceedings which can involve readings of appropriate prose, tributes by attendees or the officiant and the playing of appropriate music.
The British Humanist Association website offers advice on all aspects of humanist ceremonies and produce a booklet Funerals Without God: A Practical Guide to Non-religious Funerals which can be purchased for £5 (including postage and packing).
Celebrants are trained professionals who can officiate at funerals, weddings, namings or any other rite of passage.
If you don't want a ceremony at all, members of the family or close friends can attend the committal, which can be in silence or with some music being played.
Non-Church of England Funerals
If you have to arrange a funeral for someone who is of a faith different from your own, it is important to contact the equivalent of the local priest of the denomination to find out what needs to be done.
Non-Christian and Minority Group Funerals
A brief word on the practises of other faiths is included below;
Muslim
Most Muslim communities appoint one person who is responsible for making funeral arrangements. It will be their job to advise of the rules and to select a suitable funeral director.
Hindu
There are many possible variations of rites which depend on their form of Hinduism. The Asian Funeral Service can give advice on and arrange Hindu Funerals. They can be contacted on 020 8909 3737
Jewish
Jewish funerals are usually arranged by a dedicated Jewish Funeral Agency, or the local community may have a contract with a Gentile funeral service, which will be carried out under strict rabbinical control. The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service offers support and can be contacted on 020 8349 0839.
Local Information
Visit the Yellow Pages and Scoot to look for a local funeral director.
Winchester City Council runs two cemeteries, at Westhill and Magdalen Hill. For cemeteries in other parts of the district you will need to contact the relevant Parish Council or Parish Church.
