When someone dies

Losing someone close is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside grief, there are practical decisions to make which can feel overwhelming.

This page offers key information and support to help you through this time. For more in-depth details, please download our full bereavement booklet.

Bereavement booklet

What happens first

If your loved one dies in our Inpatient Unit:

• Our doctors will refer the death to the Medical Examiner or, in some cases, the coroner.
• Once approved, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will be sent electronically to the Register Office.
• Please let staff know if a cremation is planned, as extra paperwork is required.
• If you need an urgent certificate for faith reasons, tell us as soon as possible.
• Collect personal belongings from the ward when ready.

Viewing the body:
You may view your loved one at the hospice shortly after death or later at the funeral director’s chapel of rest.

Funeral arrangements

A funeral is a chance to say goodbye in a way that feels right for you.

• You can use a funeral director or arrange the funeral yourself.
• Check if any plans or payments were made in advance.
• Compare costs from at least two providers.
• Financial help may be available through
  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – 0800 731 0469
  • Bereavement Support Payment
  • Staffordshire County Council Funeral Support
  • Royal British Legion – may assist if the deceased served in the armed forces (0808 802 8080)

Registering the death

• Legally, you must register the death within five days.
• Usually done at the Register Office where the person died.
• Take details such as full name, date of birth, address, and any certificates you have.
• You’ll receive:
  • A green form for the funeral
  • A white form BD8 form to send to the DWP
  • Death certificates – get several copies to notify banks, incurance companies and other institutions

Stafford Register Office:
Judges Chambers, St Martins Place, Stafford, ST16 2LA
Tel: 0300 111 8001
Email: triagesupport@staffordshire.gov.uk

Legal and practical matters

• Probate: the legal process for managing the estate. Executors can do this themselves or use a solicitor.
• Tell Us Once: notify government departments in one step.
• Stop Mail: stop unwanted post to the deceased.
• The Bereavement Register can help remove data from marketing companies.

Returning equipment and medication

• Medequip: 01785 273950
• Wheelchair Service: 0808 175 3996
• Return medication to your local pharmacy
• Unused, sealed continence products contact Abena 0800 052 1165
• Contact us if you need advice on 01785 270832

Bereavement support

Our Family Support Team offers free, confidential help for anyone affected by the loss of someone with an incurable illness.

Our bereavement services

Grief in children

Even young children experience grief in their own way and it’s important we try to include children and young people in what is happening.

• Use clear, simple language (avoid “asleep” or “lost”)
• Encourage questions and maintain routines
• Offer choices about attending the funeral
• Our Family Support Team can advise and signpost you to support for children and young people – call 01785 254645 or email info@khhospice.org.uk

Celebrating a loved one’s life

Many families choose to honour their loved one by supporting our charity:

• Funeral collections instead of flowers
• Dedicate a heart in our Heart of Memories sculpture
• Set up regular giving in memory

Giving in memory

Useful contacts

• Samaritans: 116 123 | samaritans.org
• Cruse Bereavement Care: 0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk
• Citizens Advice: 0808 278 7874 | citizensadvice.org.uk
• Macmillan Cancer Support: 0808 808 0000 | macmillan.org.uk
• Marie Curie: 0800 090 2309 | mariecurie.org.uk
• Age Concern Staffordshire: 01785 607060 | ageuk.org.uk
• Bereavement Advice Centre: 0800 634 9494 | bereavementadvice.org