What happens when someone dies in Croydon

There is a statutory process that must be followed when someone dies. 

The death is confirmed

A GP, 111 Out-of-Hours GP, or the London Ambulance Service will confirm that a death has taken place. 

If the death is unexpected or no cause of death can be provided, the attending professional will contact the police.

You should share a copy of any verification paperwork with the GP. 

The death is referred to the Coroner (if needed)

The doctor or police might need to refer the death to the South London Coroner for example:

• if the death was unexpected or sudden
• if the cause of death is unclear or unnatural
• if the police consider it necessary
• if the death was related to employment or industrial disease

If a post mortem or inquest is needed, the Coroner's Office will guide and support you through this process. 

You contact a funeral director

You can contact a funeral director to help with collection and arrangements.

The death is referred to the Medical Examiner Office

The GP refers the death to the Medical Examiner (ME). The ME is an independent doctor who reviews the information to confirm the cause of death. 

Once confirmed, the ME Office will notify the GP to complete the MCCD (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death). 

The GP will then send the MCCD to the ME Office for counter signature.

The Medical Examiner Office contacts you

Once the review of the cause of death has been completed, the ME Office will call you to:

• explain the agreed cause of death
• address any concerns with the care or treatment

The ME Office will send the MCCD to Croydon Register Office and inform the next of kin of the next steps.

You register the death

You will need to book an appointment to register the death. 

At the appointment, you will receive the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (green form) and death certificates if you have purchased these.

If the death takes place on a weekend and you need an urgent burial

If the death takes place on a weekend and you need to register the death quickly, you can call our out-of-hours service:

• Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 9am to 11am
• Telephone: 0790 989 3145

The funeral arrangements are made

The funeral director uses the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (or a Coroner’s release form) to arrange the funeral.

If the deceased is resting at the Croydon University Hospital Mortuary

To arrange a viewing or to discuss care and collection, contact 0208 401 3000 and ask for the mortuary department.