Honest & Straightforward Advice

When someone dies and the death is expected, the first thing is to ensure that a medical professional is willing to complete the medical cause of death certificate. 

(If the death occurs in a Nursing/Care Home or Hospice, the duty staff will help with the following steps)

This may be via the usual, or on-call GP, a Hospice or community nurse.

Once you are given the go-ahead by the medical professional 

and only when you are ready, please call, or ask the duty staff to call 01329600050 (24/7) 

and we can attend to bring the person who has died into our care.

We have a private chapel of rest at our premises.

The medical cause of death certificate is usually available the following working day.

The GP surgery/Nursing Home/Hospice can advise you, as you will need this form for registration.

Please inform the medical professional whether the funeral is to be a cremation.

Additional forms will need to be prepared by the Doctor.

Please be advised that different Hospital procedures may apply.
 

If the death is expected, you will be required to telephone QA Hospital Bereavement Services: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Tel: 02392286175

You may not be able to speak to a bereavement officer straight away, but please leave them a message and they will return your call as soon as all the relevant paperwork is in place.

Please inform the bereavement officer if the funeral will be a cremation, so that additional paperwork can also be prepared.

The bereavement officer will send the medical cause of death certificate directly to the registrar.

IMPORTANT

A Hospital Clearance Release Form will be issued directly to your chosen Funeral Director, so you will be required to stipulate who they are when speaking with the Bereavement Services

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PLEASE NOTE:

We will not be able to attend the hospital unless a form has been supplied. 

 We are only permitted to attend the Hospital during their 

usual opening hours. (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

A death in Queen Alexandra Hospital is classed as occurring within the City of Portsmouth, you will need to telephone the register office at Burnaby Road, Portsmouth. 

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: 02392829041 - the registration will take place over the phone, and documents will be issued to you and your chosen Funeral Director.

DO NOT make an appointment to register until you have been told to do so by the bereavement office.

If the death occurred within 

The County of Hampshire

BY TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT ONLY: 03005551392

If the death occurred within the 

City of Portsmouth

BY TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT ONLY: 02392829041

If the death occurred within the 

City of Southampton

BY TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT ONLY:  02380915327 

PLEASE DO NOT make an appointment to register until you have been instructed to do so

• Full Name(s) of deceased
• Date & Place of Birth
• Date & Place of Death
• Marital Status
• Previous Occupation (if Male)
• Spouse's Name(s) and previous occupation (if Married)
• Maiden Name (if a Married Female)

The registrar will issue a 'Certificate for Burial or Cremation'
This form is FREE and is bright green in colour.

This will be issued directly to your chosen funeral director once the form is obtained.

You will also be able to purchase Certified Copies of the Entry 

This is often referred to as the ’death certificate’ as they currently cost £11.00 to buy.

If the death is sudden, or unexpected, it is more than likely that the HM Coroner will need to be informed.  

If the death occurs at home, and the usual/on call doctor is not able to issue the medical cause of death certificate, It is likely that the Police will be asked to attend the address. 

The reason for referral can be because of something as simple as the person who has died has not been to visit their GP (not treating, or attending to any illness) in the past 14 days

 
There will be a Duty Funeral Director who is employed by HM Coroner to collect the person who has died. You do not need to worry unnecessarily if the police are in attendance, they are also working on behalf of HM Coroner’s Office.

The Coroner's involvement also doesn't necessarily mean there will be a Post Mortem examination. You will be kept fully informed by the Officer who will be looking after you.
 

PLEASE NOTE: It can take up to five working days for any examinations & paperwork to be completed.

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Be Aware: you are not obliged to use the Funeral Director contracted by HM Coroner.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOUR FUNERAL DIRECTOR

CONTACT DETAILS FOR HM CORONERS' SERVICE IN HAMPSHIRE:

Portsmouth and South East

1 Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AJ 

Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.30pm

Tel: 02392688326 

email: coroners.office@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Central, Southampton & The New Forest

The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UL

Mon-Fri 8.00am-4.00pm

Tel: 01962667884

email: hampshirecoroners@private.hants.gov.uk