Q: What is verification of death and who can do it?
When someone dies, one of the first important steps is to verify the death. This is different from certifying the cause of death. Verification confirms that the person has died and allows the next steps to take place.What Does It Mean to “Verify a Death”?
Verifying a death means a trained person confirms that life has ended. They check for signs like no heartbeat or breathing. This is not the same as issuing a medical certificate of cause of death — that comes after.
Who Can Verify a Death in the UK?
A death can be verified by:
A doctor (GP or hospital doctor)
A nurse who has been trained to do so
A paramedic (in some situations)
You do not need a doctor to be present right away, as long as a trained professional is available.
When Must Death Be Verified?
Death should be verified as soon as possible after the person has died. Usually within a few hours if death was expected. If the death was unexpected or sudden, the emergency services must be called immediately, and the police may also attend. In the event of unexpected death, the body should not be moved unless instructed to do so by the emergency services.
Once death has been verified, the body can be moved, and arrangements like contacting a funeral director can begin.
What If No One Is Available?
If the person dies at home and no trained person is present:
Call the GP surgery, ECHO or NHS 111. If death occurs out of hours, a district nurse or on-call doctor may come to verify the death. In an emergency or unexpected death, call 999
In Summary
A doctor, nurse, paramedic, or trained care worker can verify a death. It should happen as soon as possible after death. Verifying death allows the next steps — like registering the death and arranging a funeral — to begin
If you’re unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to call NHS 111, ECHO or speak to the person’s GP. Help is always available.
Q: Do I have to use a funeral director in the UK?
Using a funeral director is a choice, not a legal requirement. Many people choose one because it can make things easier during a difficult time, but you can legally carry out all the arrangements yourself.What Can I Do Myself?
If you decide not to use a funeral director, you can:
Register the death at the local Register Office
Collect the certificate for burial or cremation (the “green form”)
Choose a coffin or shroud (there are no legal rules about coffins, as long as it’s safe and dignified)
Arrange transport for the body
Book a burial plot or cremation through your local council or crematorium
Plan and carry out the funeral ceremony
When Might a Funeral Director Be Helpful?
Many people use funeral directors because they can:
Handle the legal paperwork
Care for the person who has died (washing, dressing, storing the body)
Provide transport (hearse)
Help plan and run the ceremony
If the death was unexpected or complex, or if you live far away, a funeral director can ease the pressure.
Is It Difficult to Do It Myself?
It can take more time and effort to arrange a funeral yourself, especially while grieving. But it’s possible — and can be very personal and meaningful. You can call on the services of a funeral director at any point. Often people choose to keep the body at home for 24-48 hours with support and then a funeral director will take the person in to their care.
There are organisations that can guide you, such as:
The Natural Death Centre
End of Life Doula UK
Important Things to Know
You must register the death within 5 days of being advised by the Medical Examiner’s office that you can do so (8 in Scotland)
The green form is needed to arrange a burial or cremation
Crematoria and cemeteries will usually work directly with families
There is no law that says only a funeral director can move or care for the body — but it must be done with dignity and proper care
In Summary
✅ You can organise a funeral yourself
✅ You do not need to hire a funeral director however is is often more practical to do so for all or part of the time between death and the funeral
✅ If you use a funeral director, you can choose to source flowers, orders of service etc independently. You do not have to use the suppliers they offer you although this can be easier at a difficult time
✅ Support and advice is available if you choose the DIY route
Q: What are the options for a funeral service in the UK?
When someone dies, one of the choices you’ll need to make is what kind of funeral service to have. In the UK, there are several options depending on the person’s wishes, your beliefs, and your budget.You can make the funeral as simple or as personal as you like.
1. Traditional Religious Funeral
A service led by a faith leader (such as a vicar, priest, imam, rabbi, etc.), usually held in a:
Church
Mosque
Temple
Synagogue
Funeral home chapel
Graveside
It often includes prayers, hymns, readings, and blessings. It may be followed by a burial or cremation.
2. Civil Funeral
A civil funeral is non-religious, or includes only a small religious part (like a prayer or hymn). It is led by a civil celebrant or trained speaker.
The focus is on the person’s life, including:
Personal stories
Music
Readings
Tributes from family or friends
This type of service can take place in a crematorium, hall, home, or outdoor space.
3. Humanist Funeral
A fully non-religious service, led by a Humanist celebrant. It celebrates the life of the person without any religious content.
It may include:
A life story
Readings or poems
Personal messages
Music
It’s often chosen by those who did not have religious beliefs.
4. Direct Cremation or Burial (No Service)
This is the simplest and cheapest option. There is no funeral service or ceremony. The body is taken directly for cremation or burial, usually without anyone attending. The ashes can be returned to the family later. Many families choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life separately at a time and place that suits them.
5. Green or Natural Funeral
For those who want an eco-friendly option.
The body is buried in a natural burial ground
A biodegradable coffin or shroud is used
No headstone or formal grave marker
You can still have a service — either religious, civil, or humanist — at the site or elsewhere.
6. DIY or Family-Led Funeral
You don’t have to use a funeral director. Some families choose to organise the funeral themselves.
You can:
Care for the person at home
Arrange transport
Hold a service in a place that feels right
This can be more personal and less expensive.
Choosing the Right Option
Think about:
What the person would have wanted
Religious or cultural traditions
Your family’s wishes
Your budget
It’s okay to keep things simple. What matters most is that it feels right for you and honours the person’s memory.
In Summary
Funeral service options in the UK include:
✅ Religious funerals
✅ Civil or humanist ceremonies
✅ Direct cremation or burial
✅ Green funerals
✅ DIY/family-led services
There’s no one right way to say goodbye. Choose what feels meaningful and manageable for you.
Q: What are the pros and cons of cremation v burial?
Choosing between cremation and burial is a personal decision. Some people plan this before they die, while others leave it to family. Here’s a guide to help you understand the main differences, costs, and practical points for each option.🔥 Cremation
Pros:
✅ Generally cheaper than burial
✅ More flexible — ashes can be kept, scattered, or buried later
✅ Can have the funeral anywhere (before or after the cremation)
✅ Often simpler to organise
✅ More eco-friendly than traditional burial (depending on choices)
Cons:
❌ Some religions or cultures do not allow cremation
❌ Once done, it can’t be reversed
❌ Some people find the idea emotionally harder
❌ May involve waiting times at busy crematoriums
⚱️ What Happens With the Ashes?
After cremation, the ashes are usually given to the next of kin. They can:
Be scattered in a special place
Kept in an urn or other container
Buried in a cemetery, woodland, or private garden
Divided between family members
⚰️ Burial
Pros:
✅ Feels more traditional or comforting for some people
✅ Provides a permanent grave to visit
✅ May be preferred or required by religious faiths (e.g. Islam, Judaism)
✅ Can be part of family graves or plots
Cons:
❌ More expensive – often double the cost of cremation
❌ Requires a grave plot, which may not be available nearby
❌ Ongoing costs (grave upkeep, headstone maintenance)
❌ Less flexible with timing and location
💰 Typical Costs (Estimates in the UK):
Cremation: £3,500–£4,000
Burial: £4,500–£7,000+
(Costs vary by region, funeral type, and extra services)
🌿 Environmental Impact
Cremation uses energy but doesn’t take up land
Natural burials (no embalming, eco-coffin) are the most environmentally friendly
Traditional burials use more land, materials, and may include chemicals
💡 Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong choice. Think about:
The person’s wishes
Your family’s beliefs
What feels most comforting
Your budget
If you’re unsure, a funeral director or local council can help explain your options clearly.
Q: Who is the Medical Examiner and what is their role?
When someone dies, especially in a hospital or community setting, it’s important that the cause of death is properly checked and recorded. This is where the Medical Examiner (ME) comes in. The process helps make sure everything is done properly, respectfully, and fairly.What Is a Medical Examiner?
A Medical Examiner is a specially trained independent doctor who reviews the cause of death for people who die from natural causes. They are not the same as a coroner.
The Medical Examiner:
Checks the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Talks to the family to explain the proposed cause of death
Makes sure the death was expected and correctly recorded
Looks out for any concerns, errors, or signs that the death needs further investigation. They may speak with the doctor if they feel the cause of death needs to be discussed.
Why Does This Matter?
The Medical Examiner process:
Improves safety and transparency.
Helps spot any possible issues in care or treatment.
Supports families by explaining what happened.
Ensures deaths are recorded fairly and honestly.
What Happens During the Process?
The doctor who cared for the person during their life writes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The Medical Examiner reviews this certificate and any relevant hospital or GP notes.
The Medical Examiner or their officer calls the next of kin to explain the cause of death and answer any questions.
If everything is in order, the paperwork is completed so you can register the death and begin funeral arrangements.
Do All Deaths Go Through a Medical Examiner?
Since 9th September 2024, all deaths in the UK are now reviewed by a Medical Examiner.
Deaths do not go through a Medical Examiner if:
The death is being reported to a coroner (for example, if it was sudden, violent, or unclear)
The person died abroad
Do Families Have to Speak to the Medical Examiner?
A short conversation is usually part of the process. The Medical Examiner (or their officer) will:
Explain the proposed cause of death
Ask if you have any concerns or questions
Make sure you feel informed and supported
What If I Have Concerns?
If you’re worried about how your loved one died, or something doesn’t feel right, you can:
Tell the Medical Examiner during your conversation
Raise your concern with the hospital or GP practice
Ask to speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
In Summary
Medical Examiners review non-coronial deaths in England and Wales. They help ensure causes of death are accurate and families are supported. It’s a simple process and gives you the chance to ask questions or raise concerns.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, speak to the Medical Examiner’s Office or the healthcare staff involved. They’re there to help.
Q: How might I feel if someone close to me has died?
When someone you love dies, it can be one of the hardest things you ever go through. Everyone feels different — there’s no “right” way to grieve. You may feel a mix of emotions, and that’s completely normal.Common Feelings People Have
You might feel:
Shock – Even if the death was expected, it can still feel unreal.
Sadness – A deep sense of loss is very common.
Anger – You might feel angry at the situation, at others, or even at the person who died.
Guilt – Some people blame themselves or wish they’d said or done things differently.
Numbness – You may feel nothing at all at first. That’s okay too.
Relief – Especially if the person had been suffering. This doesn’t mean you didn’t love them.
Loneliness – Losing someone close can leave you feeling very alone.
These feelings can come and go. Some days may feel better than others. That’s a normal part of grieving.
Physical and Mental Effects
Grief can affect your body and mind too. You might:
Have trouble sleeping
Lose your appetite
Feel very tired
Struggle to concentrate
Feel anxious or low
It’s important to be kind to yourself. Take things one day at a time.
You’re Not Alone
Many people feel like they’re the only one feeling this way. But you are not alone. Talking to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or GP — can help. You don’t have to go through it by yourself.
When to Get Help
Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline. But if you’re struggling to cope or feel stuck in sadness for a long time, you might need extra support.
You can:
Speak to your GP
Call a bereavement support charity (like Cruse Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677)
Join a local grief support group
Getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
In Summary
Grief is personal — there’s no “normal” way to feel
You might feel many emotions, or none at all
These feelings will likely change over time
Help and support are available when you need them
If you need someone to talk to right now, don’t wait — reach out. You’re not alone.
Q: Where can I find a poem suitable for a funeral?
Here’s a list of websites that offer suitable poems for funerals, including traditional, religious, modern, and non-religious options. These sites are helpful for finding poems to read at services, include in orders of service, or share with family and friends.Poem Hunter
Large collection of classic and modern poems
Searchable by theme (e.g. death, grief, love, remembrance)
The British Humanist Association – Non-religious Readings
Non-religious and humanist funeral readings and poems
Support for creating personalised ceremonies
Poetry Foundation
Extensive archive of published poetry
Searchable by keyword or theme
Includes works by well-known poets like Dylan Thomas and Mary Oliver
Family Friend Poems
Q: Does a body have to be embalmed in the UK?
❌ No – embalming is optional.It is not a legal requirement for burial or cremation in the UK. Increasingly fewer people are being embalmed due to concerns over the environmental impact of the process.
💬 What Is Embalming?
Embalming is a process where the body is treated with chemicals to slow down natural changes after death. It’s sometimes called “hygienic treatment” or “preservation.”
It can:
Help keep the body looking more natural for longer
Be used when there is a long delay before the funeral
Be done for open coffin viewings
✅ When Might Embalming Be Suggested?
If there will be a public viewing of the body
If the funeral is more than a week or two away
If the person is being transported long distances, especially overseas
❌ When Embalming Is Not Needed
If the body will be cremated or buried quickly
If the family prefers a natural or eco-friendly funeral
If it goes against religious or personal beliefs
In a direct cremation or burial, where there is no viewing
🌿 Natural Burials
For a green or natural burial, embalming is not allowed, as the chemicals can harm the soil.
💷 Costs
Embalming is usually an extra service, costing around £75–£150, depending on the funeral provider.
📝 In Summary
❌ You don’t have to be embalmed
✅ It’s your choice (or the family’s)
✅ It can be useful for viewings after a period of time or long delays between death and the funeral
✅ Not needed for direct or natural funerals
If you’re not sure whether embalming is right for your situation, talk to your funeral director — or skip it entirely if it doesn’t feel necessary.