Practical guidance from Tony Clarke Funeral Directors when someone has died at home, in hospital or in a care home in Sunderland.
Available 24 hours a day to explain what happens next and support your family one step at a time.
Call 0191 565 6055
Practical guidance from Tony Clarke Funeral Directors when someone has died at home, in hospital or in a care home.
Available 24 hours a day to explain what happens next and support your family one step at a time.
Page information
This page is reviewed and maintained by Marek Clarke, Company Director at Tony Clarke Funeral Directors.
Last updated: 29 June 2026
This guidance is provided to help families in Sunderland understand what to do after a death. We will always explain the next steps clearly and calmly when you call us.
When someone dies, it can be difficult to know what to do first.
You may need to contact a doctor, speak to the hospital or care home, register the death, arrange collection, begin funeral arrangements, or simply ask for guidance.
Tony Clarke Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day to support families across Sunderland. You do not need to have everything decided before you call. We can talk you through the next steps calmly, one step at a time.
If the death happened at home and was expected, call the GP, district nurse, hospice nurse or NHS 111 for guidance.
If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999.
If the death happened in hospital or a care home, staff will usually guide you through the first steps.
Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact Tony Clarke Funeral Directors at any time on 0191 565 6055. We can explain what happens next and arrange care when the correct permission is in place.
When we are authorised to bring your loved one into our care, they will usually be taken to our Millfield funeral home at 190 Hylton Road, Sunderland, where they will rest in our dedicated temperature-controlled care facilities.
If the Coroner is involved, your loved one may first be taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital mortuary or another appropriate hospital mortuary until the Coroner gives permission for the funeral arrangements to proceed.
Losing someone you love can feel overwhelming. You may be in shock, unsure what to do next, or simply struggling to take it all in.
This might be the first time you’ve had to arrange a funeral — or you may have been preparing for this moment for some time. Whatever your situation, it’s completely normal to have questions.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can speak to us at any time — even if you’re not ready to make final arrangements straight away. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and take the pressure off — whenever you need us.
If you need support after a death in Sunderland, our team can guide you through what happens next.
If the death was expected, a nurse (such as a district nurse or hospice nurse) may attend to verify the death. The GP or on-call doctor will later complete the Medical Certificate, following a review by the Medical Examiner.
If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Paramedics may involve the police and the coroner if necessary.
Once the death has been confirmed, your chosen funeral director can bring your loved one into their care — day or night. You don’t need to have made any arrangements yet.
Tell the next of kin and any close family or friends. Having someone with you during this time can make a big difference.
If you need support after a death in Sunderland, our team can guide you through what happens next.
If your loved one dies in hospital, the doctors will confirm the death and arrange the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The hospital may care for your loved one in their mortuary until you choose a funeral director.
You’ll need to collect the MCCD from the hospital. Some hospitals have a bereavement office or team who can support you with this and explain what happens next.
Once you have the certificate, you must register the death at your local register office — usually within 5 days in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (or 8 days in Scotland).
If you need support after a death in Sunderland, our team can guide you through what happens next.
Staff will contact a doctor to confirm the death and notify you, the next of kin.
Once the death is confirmed, your chosen funeral director can bring your loved one into their care.
A Medical Examiner will review the death before the Medical Certificate is issued. You may be contacted during this process.
Once the review is complete and the MCCD is ready, you can register the death — usually within 10 days but it can take much more longer.
Once the Medical Examiner has completed their review and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is ready, the death must be officially registered.
Deaths that happen in the Sunderland area are usually registered with Sunderland Registration Service at:
Sunderland City Hall
Plater Way
Sunderland
SR1 3AA
Appointments are by appointment only and are usually face to face at City Hall. You should only book the appointment once the Medical Examiner has confirmed that the paperwork has been sent to the Registrar.
You can book online through Sunderland City Council website Book an appointment to register a death online or call Sunderland Registration Service on 0191 520 5553.
If the Coroner is involved, they will tell you when you are able to register the death.
When to Register
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this is usually within 5 days of the death.
In Scotland, this is usually within 8 days.
What You’ll Need
The registrar will usually need the following information:
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
The person’s full name and any former names
Date and place of birth
Date and place of death
Occupation
Last address
Marital status
Name and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
What You’ll Receive
You may receive:
A Death Certificate (extra copies can be useful for probate, banks and other organisations)
A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (“green form”), which allows the funeral to go ahead
Information about the Tell Us Once service
After registering the death, you’ll need to let certain organisations know. Some of this may feel overwhelming — but don’t worry, there are services to help make it easier.
Use the Tell Us Once Service
Most local register offices offer the Tell Us Once service. It allows you to report the death to several government departments in one step, including:
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
HMRC (Tax)
DVLA (driving licence)
Passport Office
Local council (housing, council tax, Blue Badge, etc.)
The registrar will explain how to use this service — either online or over the phone.
Other Organisations You May Need to Contact:
Depending on the person’s circumstances, you may also need to notify:
Banks and building societies
Insurance companies
Pension providers
Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)
Mortgage or housing providers
Phone, broadband, and subscription services
The deceased’s employer or trade union
GP, dentist, or other medical professionals
Private care providers or care homes
Charities or organisations where they volunteered or donated
After the death has been registered and funeral plans are in place, there are still a few practical things to think about. You don’t have to do everything right away — take it one step at a time, and ask for support if you need it.
Important Documents
Gather key documents such as:
The will
Birth and marriage certificates
Insurance policies
Bank and pension details
Property deeds or rental agreements
Property and Pets
If the person lived alone, make sure their home is secure.
Inform the landlord or mortgage provider.
Check or update home insurance, especially if the property is now empty.
Arrange care for any pets — either temporarily or permanently.
Finances and Subscriptions
Contact banks, pension providers, and insurance companies.
Cancel or transfer any direct debits, subscriptions, or utility accounts.
Use Royal Mail’s redirection service to manage their post.
Probate and Legal Matters
If there’s a will, the named executor should begin the probate process (if required).
Probate gives legal authority to deal with the person’s money, property, and belongings.
If you’re unsure, a solicitor or paralegal service can guide you through it.
Practical steps are only one part of what families may need after a death. Grief can feel different for everyone, and some people may benefit from extra support.
We have a separate Grief Support Sunderland page with links to bereavement organisations, counselling support, child bereavement help, Sands, Support After Suicide and Samaritans.
After someone dies, families may also need help with probate, wills, estate paperwork, letters of administration or practical legal documents.
Our sister service, Paralegal Services Sunderland, may be able to help with these matters, or we can point you in the right direction.
If you need more guidance, these pages may also help:
What to Do After a Death at Home in Sunderland
Step-by-step guidance if someone has died at home and you are unsure who to call first.
Direct Cremation in Sunderland
Information about our simple direct cremation options, including unattended and early morning attended direct cremation.
Funeral Packages & Prices in Sunderland
Clear information about our funeral packages, what is included, and what each option may suit.
Help With Funeral Costs in Sunderland
Guidance for families who are worried about funeral costs, DWP Funeral Expenses Payment, and payment support.
Funeral Plans and Planning Ahead
Information for people who want to record their wishes or put arrangements in place for the future.
Legal Support After a Death
Support with probate, wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and practical legal matters after someone dies.
Contact Tony Clarke Funeral Directors
Contact our Sunderland team for calm, practical guidance 24 hours a day.
The first step depends on where and how the person died. If the death happened at home and was expected, you should contact the GP, district nurse, hospice nurse or NHS 111 for guidance. If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999. If the death happened in hospital or a care home, staff will usually guide you through the first steps. Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact Tony Clarke Funeral Directors at any time on 0191 565 6055.
Yes. You can contact a funeral director before the death is registered. In many cases, families speak to us as soon as they need guidance. We can explain what happens next, discuss funeral options, and arrange care when the correct permission is in place. The funeral itself cannot usually take place until the required paperwork has been completed.
Deaths that happen in the Sunderland area are usually registered with Sunderland Registration Service at Sunderland City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR1 3AA. Appointments are face to face at City Hall and should only be booked once the Medical Examiner has confirmed that the paperwork has been sent to the Registrar. You can book an appointment online through Sunderland City Council or call Sunderland Registration Service on 0191 520 5553.
If the death was sudden, unexpected, or the cause of death is unclear, the Coroner may become involved. This is normal in certain circumstances and does not necessarily mean anything suspicious has happened. Your loved one may be taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital mortuary or another appropriate hospital mortuary while the Coroner makes enquiries. The Coroner’s office will explain when the death can be registered and when funeral arrangements can proceed.
When Tony Clarke Funeral Directors are authorised to bring your loved one into our care, they will usually be taken to our Millfield funeral home at 190 Hylton Road, Sunderland. Your loved one will rest in our dedicated temperature-controlled care facilities until funeral arrangements are confirmed. If the Coroner is involved, your loved one may first be taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital mortuary or another appropriate hospital mortuary until permission is given for a funeral director to bring them into care.
Yes. Families may need help with probate, wills, estate paperwork, letters of administration or other practical legal matters after someone dies. Through our sister service, Paralegal Services Sunderland, we may be able to assist or point you in the right direction. We can also explain what documents may be needed and what steps families may need to consider after the funeral arrangements have started.