How to arrange a funeral
The loss of a loved one can be a very distressing time, it also difficult to know what you need to do and who should be involved. Birtwistle's Funeral Service can help to guide you through this process and provide you with the support you need. We provide a 24 hour service and can be contacted at any time on 01204 491661. The following notes have been provided you give you some guidance on what you will need to do:
Obtaining the Medical Certificate
You will first of all need to be issued with a medical certificate confirming the cause of death. If the death occurs at home you will need to contact your loved one's doctor. A doctor will usually attend the place of death and can sometimes issue a medical certificate, indicating the cause of death. There may be circumstances when the doctor may have to contact the coroner but they will explain this to you at the time of visit. If the death has occurred in hospital you will need to collect the medical certificate from the hospital where the death has occurred.
Registering the death
Once you have received the medical certificate you will need to register the death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the the town or area where the death occurred. The Registrar will issue a death certificate and the necessary paperwork for a burial or cremation (green form). The green form is then required by the Funeral Director.
When attending the Registrars you will need to provide the following details of the deceased:
- Medical certificate indicating cause of death
- Name of the deceased, including maiden name if appropriate
- Date and place of death
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Address
- Occupation
- Whether deceased was receiving any type of pension
- Name and relationship of next of kin
- Marital status
- Birth and marriage certificates (if available)
- Medical card (if available)
Contacting the Funeral Director
You should contact us as soon as possible so that we may help and support you along the way. We have professionally qualified and experienced staff who can give you advice and guidance at this difficult time. Do not be afraid to contact us day or night on our 24 hour service number 01204 491661.
We offer a variety of funerals including horsedrawn carriages
