First steps

If your relative or friend has died in Morriston, Singleton or Neath Port Talbot Hospital:

The Care After Death Team will prepare the necessary paperwork and liaise with other people who are usually involved following a death, such as the registrar, medical examiner or coroner’s office. You will find more information about these services on our other webpages.

In the first instance, please contact the Care After Death Team at the relevant hospital:

Morriston: 01792 703114

Singleton: 01792 285818

Neath Port Talbot: 01639 683139

They will explain what happens next with regards the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, sometimes called a Death Certificate or Medical Certificate.

The team will ask you:

• Some identifying questions to ascertain who the patient is
• Your name, contact details and relationship to the patient
• Establish if you are person who will be responsible for Registration of Death
• The name of the funeral director you wish to use, if you have decided
• Whether the deceased will be for burial or cremation (you will be asked this so that the team are able to ensure the right paperwork is completed for you)

You will be able to ask the team any questions you may have and they will be able to support you. You can call the team as many times as you like, and they will keep in contact with you to keep you updated on the progress of the paperwork. They can also advise you on your relative/friend’s belongings.

If you feel you are struggling, they can also help to find you the right support during your bereavement, so please ask if you think this would help you.

If your relative or friend has died at Cefn Coed, Tonna or Gorseinon Hospital:

In our smaller hospitals the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually completed on the ward. Please speak to the ward team or the doctor and they will be able to advise on the progress of the paperwork.

However, the Care After Death Service can help you with this if you feel you need support. You can contact them on: 01792 703327

They can liaise with the ward and the doctor on your behalf, and keep you updated with the progress of the paperwork, as well as liaise with other people who are usually involved following a death, such as the registrar, medical examiner or coroner’s office. You will find more information about these services on our other webpages. They can also advise you on your relative/friend’s belongings.

The team will ask you:

• Some identifying questions to ascertain who the patient is
• Your name, contact details and relationship to the patient
• Establish if you are person who will be responsible for Registration of Death
• The name of the funeral director you wish to use, if you have decided
• Whether the deceased will be for burial or cremation (you will be asked this so that the team are able to ensure the right paperwork is completed for you)

You will be able to ask the team any questions you may have and they will be able to support you. You can call the team as many times as you like, and they will keep in contact with you to keep you updated on the progress of the paperwork.

If you feel you are struggling, they can also help to find you the right support during your bereavement, so please ask if you think this would help you.

If your relative or friend has died at home, or in the community:

Depending on the circumstances, it would usually be the patient’s GP who completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death when a person dies at home or in a residential/care home. If you know who your relative/friend’s GP is, you can contact them for more information.

If the death is sudden, unexpected or if your relative/friend has not been seen recently by their GP, the coroner’s office may be involved. The GP or the police (if in attendance) may be able to advise you on this. There is further information about the role of the coroner on our other webpages.

However, the Care After Death Service can help you in either circumstance, if you feel you need any support. You can contact them on: 01792 703327

They can liaise with the GP or coroner, and keep you updated with the progress of the paperwork, as well as liaise with other people who are usually involved following a death, such as the registrar or medical examiner. You will find more information about these services further on in this booklet.
 
The team will ask you:

• Some identifying questions to ascertain who the patient is
• Your name, contact details and relationship to the patient
• Some details about the circumstances of your relative/friend’s death, to ascertain if the coroner is involved
• Establish if you are person who will be responsible for Registration of Death
• The name of the funeral director you wish to use, if you have decided
• Whether the deceased will be for burial or cremation (you will be asked this so that the team are able to ensure the right paperwork is completed for you)

You will be able to ask the team any questions you may have and they will be able to support you. You can call the team as many times as you like, and they will keep in contact with you to keep you updated on the progress of the paperwork.

If you feel you are struggling, they can also help to find you the right support during your bereavement, so please ask if you think this would help you.