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 is able to issue a certificate, it will be sent by email to the registry office.

In the majority of cases only a doctor who has seen the patient in the last 28 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 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

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).

When the medical certificate of cause of death has been issued, the registry office will be in touch with you, usually within five working days. Our local registry offices 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).

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.
• Receipts 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 either give you a green form to take to the funeral directors or will email it directly to the funeral director.

If the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds the registrar will also give you a 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.

WHEN THE CORONER HAS TO BE INVOLVED

The Coroner can be involved, for example when a death has happened unexpectedly, or the cause of death is unknown.

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

BEGINNING THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

If 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.