Based on supporting evidence and recommendations from NICE standards and guidance for End of Life Care we aim to support patients to remain in, and die in, their preferred place of care.

For further information with regard to planning for your future care there are a number of useful website links below and documents to download.

• East Sussex ACP - Planning Ahead
• EOLC Patient Charter
• www.patient.co.uk
• www.endoflifecareforadults.nhs.uk
• www.goldstandardsframework.nhs.uk
• www.stwhospice.org

Bereavement Advice Centre - practical help when you need it most

There are many practical issues to manage when someone dies. Bereavement Advice Centre supports and advises on what you need to do next. They can help with:

• What to do first when someone dies
• How to register a death
• Finding a funeral director
• Probate and other legal procedures
• Money and tax issues
• Finding support
• Preventing junk mail to the deceased.

Call Freephone 0800 082 1215 or www.bereavementadvice.org

In Times of Bereavement

If Death Occurs at Home

1. Telephone the doctor who will visit to confirm that death has taken place.
2. Contact a funeral director.
3. Arrange to collect the doctor's Medical Certificate of Death.
4. Make an appointment to take this to the Registrars Office, (together with the deceased's Medical Card and Birth Certificate, if available) for the area in which the death took place.  Alternatively you can register by declaration at any convenient Registrars Office but certificates will not be available as these will have to be posted to you a few days later.
5. The Registrar will normally issue a Green coloured certificate for you to give to your funeral director who will look after necessary arrangements for the funeral.  The Registrar will also issue a white notification certificate for the DSS.  They will also enquire as to the number of Certified Copies you require for dealing with the deceased finances ( a fee is payable for each copy).

If the Death Occurs in Hospital

1. Contact a funeral director to inform him his services are required.
2. Collect the certificate from the hospital then follow 4-5 as above.

Note for Cremation

Your funeral director will usually liaise directly with the surgery regarding the additional certification required.