We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience.
By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. Cookie policy.
Cookie settings.
Functional Cookies
Functional Cookies are enabled by default at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings and ensure site works and delivers best experience.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
Bereavement
Bereavement Support
Information for the relatives or next of kin of a patient who has died
At St Bartholomew & Hollow Way Medical Practice, we understand that the death of a loved one is an extremely distressing and upsetting time. We are committed to ensuring that patients and their families feel supported, and that any care we provide during this time is handled in a professional, respectful and compassionate manner.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be issued by the medical examiner and not by the GP practice
What to do when someone dies
If a patient of the practice has passed away, please telephone the practice as soon as you are able.
Our receptionist will sensitively take the following details:
- The patient’s full name
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Your name and contact details
- Any religious or cultural beliefs that the GP should be aware of
This information will be passed to either the Duty Doctor or the patient’s usual GP.
What happens next?
The doctor will:
- Review the patient’s records
- Complete the necessary documentation
- Send the relevant paperwork to the Medical Examiner’s Office
The Medical Examiner’s Office will then contact you to:
- Discuss the cause of death
- Answer any questions you may have
- Issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
They will also provide you with the contact number for the Registration Service so that you can arrange an appointment to register the death.
National Support
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK help children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
Sands Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity
Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.
Compassionate Friends
TCF offers many different kinds of support for bereaved families. Whatever the cause of your loss, wherever you are in the UK, and whatever your circumstances – they are here to help.
Brake
Brake’s helpline is a quality accredited, Freephone, confidential support service, providing information and advocacy, emotional support and a listening ear for survivors of road crashes.
Scotty's Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces.
Child Death Helpline
The Child Death Helpline aims to provide a quality freephone service to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age. Callers to the helpline might be parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, friends or involved professionals.
Cruse - Bereavement Support
They help people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.
Hope Again
Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.