At home
Revised legislation from 9th September 2024
The first thing you need to do if there is a death in the family is to get in touch with your GP or an ambulance. The attending medical professional can verify that death has occurred, once death has been officially verified we are then permitted to bring them into our care.
We are available day or night, every day of the year, 01273 582188.
A Medical Certificate of cause of death (MCCD) will be completed in the days following, by a registered medical practitioner. This along with any relevant medical records will be passed to the Medical Examiner (ME) to be reviewed, once satisfied they will submit to the registration office ready for you to make an appointment to formally registrar the death and collect the death certificate.
Professional Care Setting
In a Hospital, Hospice or Care Home the above would have been dealt with by a member of staff, who will advise which surgery will be completing the certificate.
If the death takes place at a hospital, the bereavement officers will offer emotional support and advice on the next steps and inform you of the nearest Registry Office, so you can register the death.
Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) Bereavement Office: 01273 696955
Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) Bereavement Office : 01444 441881
Eastbourne District General Hospital (EDGH) Bereavement Office: 01323 414995
Overseas
If death happens abroad, it needs to be registered in accordance with the laws of the country in which the death occurred. The death also needs to be registered in the UK through the British Consulate of that country. A death should be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 5 days, which should be done at the nearest registry office.
