First Steps
AT HOME OR NURSING HOME
The first thing to do is to contact the deceased's own G.P or the doctor on call who comes out to certify the death. The doctor will issue a medical certificate confirming cause of death that is used to register the death at the registration office. If you opt for cremation, let the doctor know as certain paperwork needs to be completed.
Once the doctor has certified the death, contact Mallon Brothers Funeral Directors who will come out to discuss further details and the deceased will be removed from their place of death to Mallons Funeral Home for preparation.
AT HOSPITAL OR HOSPICE
The doctor tending to the deceased during their illness will issue a medical certificate of cause of death. This may be done shortly after the death or perhaps the following morning, depending on the time of death and if the doctor is available.
The deceased will be removed to the mortuary, where the funeral director will liaise with the staff to organise the moving of the deceased to the funeral home. Contact Mallon Brothers funeral directors at any time after the death and we will offer advice and guide you in the right direction.
SUDDEN DEATH
If someone dies suddenly, tragically or when a doctor cannot issue a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death. (MCCD), the coroner will become involved and the deceased will be removed from the place of death by the coroners contractor to the Northern Ireland Regional Forensic Mortuary located at the Royal Victoria Hospital where a post-mortem examination of the deceased may be carried out to determine the cause of death. Any time after the death, contact Mallon Brothers Funeral Directors who as your chosen Funeral Director will explain to you the process when involving the Coroner. In this situation the funeral could be slightly delayed due to the need for a post-mortem examination to be carried out. In these circumstances the Coroner's Office will produce a certificate once the Coroner has determined the cause of death. This will be sent by the Coroner's Office to the Registrar's Office . We as the nominated funeral director will receive a Coroners Cremation or Burial Order in order to start the funeral arrangements.
Please note:
"The Coroners Contractor" are a Funeral Director, there solely on behalf of the Coroner. They should not make themselves known to families. If so, please report to the attending police officer or chosen Funeral Director..
The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) Funeral Market Order 2021 Article 6 (3), Prohibits funeral directors from soliciting business in the course of providing any services through the coroner.
DEATH ABROAD
If a death takes place abroad it must be registered according to the law of that country. The death should also be reported to the Irish or British Consul who may be able to arrange for the death to be registered in the UK as well. Returning a body to the UK is expensive but the cost may be covered by any travel insurance taken out by the person. If the death was on a package holiday the tour operator should be able to help with arrangements. Normally a repatriation company will be instructed by the insurance company to bring the deceased back to Northern Ireland and then we as your appointed funeral director at home will co-ordinate with them on your behalf.