‘Expected’ or natural cause of death

By law, a certificate to confirm the death must be signed by a doctor. This is called a "Medical Cause of Death Certificate" form. Until this occurs, Glen Funerals cannot transfer the deceased to their funeral home.

If the death has occurred at home you will need to call your family doctor and providing he/she has seen the deceased in the last three months, certificates will normally be issued. Alternatively, when a death occurs in a nursing home or private hospital, the nursing staff will normally notify the doctor for you.

When someone dies in a public hospital it is normal for the attending doctor at the hospital to issue the certificate.

If you have any uncertainty, all you need to do is call us and we will advise you.

‘Unexpected’, ‘Accidental’ or death resulting from ‘foul play’

In cases where a doctor is unable to determine the cause of death, it is necessary for the coroner to be notified - the police do this.

The police prepare a report for the coroner who then seeks to determine the cause of death by contacting the doctor of the deceased or requesting a pathologist to inspect the body and carry out an autopsy.

Glen Funerals will liaise with the coroner's department on your behalf.