If the death occurs in hospital, the staff will contact the next of kin. In some cases, a doctor who has treated the deceased will be able to issue a death certificate. If this does not happen, the district coroner will be contacted and the death reported.

In a nursing home, the staff will contact the doctor directly. If cause of death is certified, you will be given a medical certificate and a formal notice with further instructions.

When somebody dies suddenly or unexpectedly, the following people should be contacted:

• The family doctor
• The deceased's next of kin
• The police

If you know or suspect that the death was not due to natural causes, you must not touch anything in the room. The death may be referred to the coroner.

• Accidents or injuries
• Industrial diseases
• A surgical operation
• Being under anaesthesia
• An unknown cause

If the deceased has not been seen by a doctor within the last 14 days or has been admitted into hospital less than 24 hours before they died, the death must be reported to the coroner.

Whatever the circumstances, a death can be extremely shocking and upsetting for those connected to the deceased. Leeds Funerals are here to guide you through the process.