Death at home - procedure?
Posted by: Gavin B on 16 June 2014
Folks
My partner's mum is close to losing her fight with cancer. Her husband is expecting her to die at home, but doesn't know what the procedure is once it happens (and I think it's worrying him somewhat). I haven't come across this either (happily).
So, what is the procedure? Who (in an official capacity) do you call?
Thanks in advance for your help, and I hope I'm not being too insensitive asking this.
Gavin
Gavin, sorry to hear that. We had the experience of finding my father in law who had passed in his sleep - from what I remember we phoned the police and they handled it - including calling the coroner & private ambulance - as it was an unexpected death. I don't think there is a formal process, I would suggest that her husband talks to his or her GP, I'm sure they will be able to advise.
Thanks, Ali. Oddly, he's suggesting that the various health people aren't being too helpful with that information.
If the death is expected and a GP has been involved in her care, the GP should be contacted.
Some info here: http://informationnow.org.uk/a...es-a-practical-guide
If an expected death (which this sounds like) then you call the surgery, or the District Nurse. Either can confirm death. This means saying that life is extinct. If it is the middle of the night you can wait unttil morning if you are happy to do so but if you want somebody to come straight away then you can call the OOH doctor and they will come.
To issue a death certificate the GP does not actually have to see the body themselves if another doctor or professional has pronounced life extinct-but they usually do. If the deceased is for cremation then the usual GP will need to see the body (and a second doc from another practice will too to complete the paperwork). This generally happens at the undertaker-who can collect the body once death is confirmed. A death certificate can be issued by any doctor, a cremation certificate must be completed by someone with prior knowledge of the patient.
If the GP has not seen her within 14 days of death (even if 'expected') then the case must be discussed by them with the coroner before issuing the paperwork-but it is almost always a formality and no PM will be requested. It is obviously different if unexpected or in a variety of other situations where the Coroner will be involved.
Undertakers are very helpful with this stuff. When the lady dies they will guide you him through it. It should also be part of her palliative care care-plan. This is usually in a big ring folder at their home. The staff caring for her should be able to explain it all. It does no harm for him to ring their chosen undertaker now before she dies-many people like to do this so they feel they know who they are dealing with.
Good luck.
Bruce
Gavin, sorry to hear that. We had the experience of finding my father in law who had passed in his sleep - from what I remember we phoned the police and they handled it - including calling the coroner & private ambulance - as it was an unexpected death. I don't think there is a formal process, I would suggest that her husband talks to his or her GP, I'm sure they will be able to advise.
Unexpected deaths are automatically handled by the Police and Coroner but the issuing off death and cremation certs can often be settled by discussion between them and the GP. If they are known to have significant medical histories and the scenario seems fairly simple (and the Police say it is not suspicious) then the GP and Coroner may agree to issue without a PM. This happens a fair bit, especially for the v elderly.
Have you spoken to/ e mailed Mcmillan ?
2 Docs use this M/B a lot,they should be able to help you more as soon as they read your post.
ATB
mista h
Thanks everyone - that's a big help.