When someone dies

We are sorry you need this page. There is no rush with most of these steps — take the time you need.

First steps

• If the death was expected (for example after a long illness) and happens at home during our opening hours, phone the practice on 01968 675 576. A doctor or nurse will attend to confirm the death.
• When we are closed, call NHS 24 on 111 — they will arrange for someone to attend.
• If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999. The ambulance service and sometimes the police will take over the immediate steps — this is routine for unexpected deaths and nothing to be alarmed by.
• There is no need to call a funeral director immediately, but once the death is confirmed they can guide you through everything that follows, at any hour.

The medical certificate

A doctor completes a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which you need before the death can be registered. We will tell you when it is ready — usually within a day or two. In Scotland a small number of certificates are randomly selected for independent review before registration; if this happens it typically adds a short delay and the registrar will guide you.

Registering the death

In Scotland a death must be registered within 8 days, at any registration office — for local offices and what to bring, see mygov.scot: register a death. The registrar can also use the Tell Us Once service to inform most government organisations for you.

What the practice does

• We update the medical record, and cancel any appointments, recalls and outstanding prescriptions — you do not need to do this yourself
• Please return any unused medication to a pharmacy for safe disposal — do not put it in household waste
• If you are a patient here too, let us know if you would like a chat with a GP or nurse in the weeks that follow — grief affects health, and we are here for you as well

Bereavement support

Cruse Scotland

crusescotland.org.uk · 0808 802 6161 — free bereavement counselling and support

NHS inform

Death and bereavement — practical and emotional guidance for the weeks ahead