The cost of a funeral is broken down into three parts:

  • The Service charge covers the care and preparation of your loved one, completion of all paperwork and statutory forms, removal to our premises during normal working hours, use of our chapels of rest and our attendance at the funeral.
  • The Vehicle charge is for the use of a hearse and Limousine(s).
  • The Coffin charge varies depending on the style that you choose. A choice of colour and style is available for the interior; alternatively, your loved one may be dressed in their own clothes. Our coffin brochure shows details of the choices available.

You will normally be provided with a written estimate and confirmation of funeral details at the time arrangements are made, or as soon as possible thereafter.

In addition to the costs detailed above, the estimate will also show any payments made on your behalf to third parties. These payments are called disbursements and are for cemeteries, crematoria, doctors, ministers, organists, newspaper notices, and florists.


Collecting the death certificate

When someone dies, the doctor, hospital GP or sometimes the coroner, has to issue a certificate giving the cause of death before the death can be registered. If the doctor at the hospital is able to issue a certificate, you will need to return to the hospital and collect it.
It is a common misconception that the issuing of a cause of death certificate is just obtaining a signature on a piece of paper. Unfortunately it is not as simple as that; certain criterion needs to be met in order for this legal document to be issued. In the majority of cases only a doctor who has treated the patient in the last 14 days before death can issue the cause of death certificate. Although every endeavour to complete cause of death certificates as quickly as possible is taken circumstances may delay this process on occasion.
In order to avoid an unnecessary journey or delay, please telephone the numbers below at the appropriate times.

For patients at the Hospital of St Cross

Ring the Bereavement Services Department (In Hospital Management) between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) 01788 663748

For patients at University Hospital

Ring the Bereavement line (024 7696 5835 or 024 7696 5838) between 9.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).


Registering the death

When you have the certificate of cause of death, you will need to take it to the Registry Office, usually within five working days. The addresses are:

Rugby

The Registrar of Births Marriages and Deaths
5 Bloxham Place
Rugby
CV21 3 DX
Telephone: (01788) 542404

The Rugby Register Office’s opening hours are: Monday & Friday 9.30am- 1.00pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am to 2.00pm

Coventry

The Registry Office
Cheylesmore Manor House Manor House Drive (off New Union Street)
Coventry
CV1 2ND
Telephone: (024) 7683 3129

The Coventry Register Office is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

You need to telephone the Registry Office to make an appointment. The registrar will ask you for the following details:

  • Date and place of death.
  • Full name of the deceased.
  • Maiden name (if appropriate).
  • Date and place of both.
  • Occupation.
  • Marital status and relevant information.
  • Address.
  • Reicepts of any pensions or allowances from public funds (if applicable).

You should also have the following documents, but don't worry if you do not:

  • Medical Card.
  • Birth Certificate.
  • Marriage Certificate.

The registrar will then give you a green form to take to the funeral directors.

If the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds the Registrar will also give you a white form which should be sent or taken to the local Department of Social Security along with any other benefit books the deceased may have had.

Most people will also require one or more copies of the formal registration of death in order to notify any banks, building societies, insurance companies, and pension funds of the death, for a small fee. It is possible to get copies of the death certificate at a later date, but this is more costly.


Is a post mortem required?

Occasionally a doctor may ask for a post mortem examination to be carried out, in order to understand more clearly what happened, and to clarify the cause of death.

If the doctor wishes to carry out a post mortem, he/she must ask for your permission and explain fully what you are being asked for, prior to asking you to sign a consent form. If this should be the case, someone will talk to you about it usually before you leave the hospital.

When the coroner has to be involved

The other instance when a post mortem may be required is if the Coroner has had to be involved, for example when the death has happened unexpectedly, or the cause of death is unknown.

His job is to discover, amongst other things, exactly what caused the death, and he has the power in law to order that a post mortem should be carried out. If this is the case, the Coroner or his Officer will get in touch with you directly. He will explain clearly to you what happens and why.

Beginning the funeral arrangements

f you have any worries at all about the cost of the funeral, please ask for advice before making arrangements from the Bereavement Services Department at the hospital, the hospital Social Worker, the Funeral Directors or your own Benefit Office who will be able to advise you.

Viewing in the Hospital Chapel of Rest

Viewing in the Chapel of Rest can be arranged. To make an appointment please telephone:

Rugby St Cross Hospital - 01788 572831
Ask to speak to Site Co-ordinator

University Hospital 024 7696 5835 or 024 7696 5838 Bereavement Services Department
9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays)

Wills and estates, costs and expenses

It is important to seek a solicitor’s advice over any question about a will, or about the estate of the person who has died. It is also vital to make sure the DSS, together with any insurance companies, banks and building societies, know what has happened. The Registrar will give advice on notifying them, and can issue extra copies of the Registration of death for a small fee.