What To Do When Someone Dies

Guidance and Support One Step at a Time

When someone dies, it can feel overwhelming.

There are often many questions, and it can be difficult to know where to begin.

At Thompson Brothers & Sons, Craig and Simon are here to guide you with calm, clear advice - helping you take each step at your own pace.

From the moment of passing through to the funeral arrangements, we will support you with dignity, clarity and reassurance.

Every step is explained gently, including the Medical Examiner process, introduced nationally in September 2024.

Step 1: Immediate Actions

If the death occurs at home

  • Contact the GP if the death was expected

  • If outside surgery hours, call NHS 111

  • A medical professional must verify the death

  • taking quiet time for yourself

If the death occurs in hospital or a care home

Staff will guide you through the first steps and begin the necessary paperwork.

If the death is sudden or unexpected

  • Call 999 immediately

  • Emergency services may attend

  • The death may be referred to the Coroner

Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been verified, you may contact us at any time.

We will bring your loved one into our care and guide you gently through what happens next.

Thompson Brothers & Sons Funeral Directors
12–13 Westbourne Terrace
Shiney Row
Houghton-le-Spring
DH4 4QT

Telephone: 0191 385 4000

We are available 24 hours a day.

Step 3: The Medical Examiner Process

Before a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued, the Medical Examiner reviews the circumstances of the death.

This process helps ensure clarity and gives families the opportunity to ask questions.

The Medical Examiner will:

  • Review medical records

  • Speak with the attending doctor

  • Confirm the cause of death

  • Refer to the Coroner if required

Step 4: Registering the Death

A death should normally be registered within 5 days of the medical certificate being issued.

We will guide you when this is ready and help you with the next steps.

Who can register the death?

  • A close relative

  • Someone present at the death

  • The person arranging the funeral

Information you may need:

  • Full name, address and date of birth

  • Date and place of death

  • Occupation

  • Details of spouse or civil partner

  • National Insurance number (if known)

  • Details of pensions or benefits

Local Register Offices

Sunderland Register Office

Durham Register Office

Find others at:

Step 5: If the Coroner Is Involved

A Coroner may become involved if the death was unexpected or requires further investigation.

If this happens, they will guide the process and confirm when the funeral can proceed.

Step 6: Tell Us Once

The Tell Us Once service allows you to notify multiple government departments at once, including pensions, tax and driving licence records.

The registrar will explain how to use this service.

Step 7: Arranging the Funeral

Once the necessary documents are issued, we will guide you through arranging the funeral. Options include:

  • Direct Cremation

  • Simple Cremation

  • Traditional Funeral Services

  • Burial Arrangements

  • Personalised Tributes

Your loved one remains in our care at all times.

Step 8: Practical Matters

After the funeral, you may need to:

  • Notify banks and insurers

  • Contact pension providers

  • Arrange probate (if required)

  • Close or transfer accounts

We can offer guidance or signpost support where needed.

Hands holding each other for support

Step 9: Emotional Support

Grief is personal, and support is available when you need it.

Printable Checklist - Download & Keep

We have created a simple checklist to help you take things one step at a time.

We Are Here When You Need Us

There is no pressure - just support when you need it.

Thompson Brothers & Sons Funeral Directors 0191 385 4000

We are here to guide you - one step at a time.