Where To Start
If, at any point, you are unsure of what needs to be done, need help and assistance
please do not hesitate to contact us on
0151 433 8820
A new statutory medical examiner system is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide independent scrutiny of deaths, and to give bereaved people a voice. From 9 September 2024 all deaths in any health setting that are not investigated by a coroner will be reviewed by NHS medical examiners. The changes, which form part of the Department of Health’s Death Certification Reforms, were announced by the government on 15 April 2024, and come into force on 9 September 2024. As part of the changes, there will be a new medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD). From 9 September 2024, medical practitioners will be able to complete an MCCD if they attended the deceased in their lifetime. This represents a simplification of the current rules, which before 9 September require referral of the case to a coroner for review if the medical practitioner had not seen the patient within the 28 days prior to death or had not seen in person the patient after death.
When Your Loved One Passes Away At Home
When an expected death happens at home, the doctor who has been looking after the deceased should be contacted. Provided the deceased has been seen by a doctor during their final illness, the doctor will then be able to attend to confirm that death has occurred. If District Nursing Team has also be involved in end of life care at home or if a healthcare professional is already with you they may be able to verify the death, if trained to do so. If not, you will need to call the GP practice.
Once the Doctor or healthcare professional has given permission to proceed, you are then able to contact us on 0151 433 8820. We will attend as quickly as possible or at a time convenient to you to bring your loved one into our care – for instance, you may wish to wait until other family members have had an opportunity to say their goodbyes at home.
The doctor will be responsible for issuing a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death – this is usually completed in the surgery as quickly as possible and emailed directly to the
Medical Examiner. Once this has been received, the Medical Examiner will contact the next of kin to ensure they are happy with the details provided by the Doctor and to see if they have any concerns with regards to their treatment. Following this, a certificate is sent to the registrar who will then contact the next of kin to book an appointment to register the death. However, if the death is unexpected, the doctor may refer the matter to the Coroner.
If the death occurs out of hours, still call your G.P. who will direct you to the out of hours locum doctor or district nurse. Once the locum or district nurse has been out, you can call us on 0151 433 8820 and we will arrange to bring your loved one into our care and provide further guidance.
When Your Loved One Passes Away In Hospital
If a relative who has been a hospital in-patient dies, the doctors who have been treating the deceased will usually be able to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which will be emailed directly to the Medical Examiner in the same way that the GP would from the doctor’s surgery.
Each hospital has a dedicated bereavement office who will contact you about the next steps. You will need to let the bereavement officer know the name of your nominated funeral director which allows them to liaise directly with us to arrange the necessary paperwork and the conveyance of your loved one into our care.
When Your Loved One Passes Away In A Nursing Home Or Hospice
The nursing/care home or hospice would arrange for the death to be certified. Once this has taken place, their staff would then contact us to bring your loved one into our care. We would then advise you on the next steps that should be taken.
When Your Loved One Passes Away Suddenly Or Unexpectedly
The Coroner is a doctor or lawyer responsible for investigating an unexpected death and any death where the person has not been seen by their GP within 14 days prior to the date of death or, if the death is unexpected.
In these circumstances, the doctor will not be able to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and the matter should be referred to the Coroner for further investigation.
The doctor may also be unable to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death in the following circumstances:-
• The person has died in prison or in such a place or in such circumstances as to require an inquest.
• If the deceased underwent an operation shortly before death or there is a suggestion of a possible industrial disease, then it is probable that the doctor will not complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death but refer the death to the coroner.
If the death is referred to HM Coroner their office will arrange for the deceased to be conveyed to their mortuary in order that the death can be investigated and, if necessary, an inquest opened.
Should this happen, the Coroner will keep you updated at every stage and once their investigation has concluded, issue the necessary paperwork to allow the funeral arrangements to proceed.
Useful Contact Details
GreenAcres Living Memorial Park
About GreenAcres Living Memorial Park
GreenAcres Living Memorial Park, Rainford is a unique, natural cemetery and ceremonial park located on the outskirts of St Helens. This special place can be uplifting, even at a time of great sadness.
Our families appreciate the tranquil and beautiful environment, set amidst acres of glorious woodland. They also take great comfort from knowing that this landscape will be sustained, enhanced and preserved for future generations.
We’re sure it’s also a place where you’ll feel comfortable. A place you and your family will want to return to, time and time again, to walk together, share memories and reflect.
Choice. Perfection. Affordability. We understand how important all these factors are when you’re making the important decision about where to lay your loved one to rest.
At GreenAcres Living Memorial Park, we have very few rules, so it’s up to you to decide exactly what you want. Services in our Service Hall take many formats. Of course, we’re here to offer support whenever you need us. But where possible, we’ll follow your exact wishes or the plans of your loved one.
Whether you are looking for a memorial or memorial service, cremation service, burial service followed by a traditional burial, a simple graveside service or to scatter or inter ashes, we’ll help make sure your loved one has the perfect send-off.
GreenAcres Living Memorial Park is divided into a range of different woodland areas. Prices vary across the Park according to the location and ease of access. In this way, we ensure it’s open to as many people as possible – irrespective of their budget.
Your family is welcome to visit any time during opening hours. Whether or not your loved one is buried or interred at a GreenAcres Park, you can erect a memorial to them. Just get in touch when you’re ready.
If you need more information, you can download the GreenAcres Living Memorial Park brochure where you’ll find more details about all the services available here.
The virtual tour of GreenAcres Living Memorial Park may also help you appreciate the beauty of this much-loved corner of the English countryside.
We’d love to meet you. So please do contact us to arrange a visit. A member of our team can show you around and answer any questions you may have. We are dog friendly - we love meeting your dogs! We kindly ask for dogs to be kept on a lead in our parks.
Rainford Park Address
GreenAcres Rainford Park
Blindfoot Road
St Helens
Merseyside
WA11 7HX
West Lancashire Cemetery & Crematorium
Set in the heart of the countryside on the edge of Burscough, this new cemetery and crematorium provides a natural place for families of West Lancashire and surrounding areas to hold a dignified service of their choice.
Nestling in the Lancashire countryside, the building has been especially designed to blend into its natural surroundings, offering a place of peace and seclusion, so important for a funeral.
Over 40 acres has been dedicated to finally provide a new crematorium and burial service for the people of West Lancashire. This ensures that the bereaved have the space and time to organise the individual funeral that they want.
Directions
From The North (Burscough)
Travel South on A59 towards Manor Road. At roundabout turn right onto Pippin Street. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit and stay on Pippin Street. West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium is on the left hand side.
From The South (Ormskirk)
Travel North on B5319 (Burscough St.) At roundabout take the 1st exit staying on the B5319 (Burscough Road). After approx. 1 mile turn right onto the A59 (High Lane). At the roundabout turn left onto Pippin Street. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit and stay on Pippin Street. West Lancashire Cemetery and Crematorium is on the left hand side.
Contact
West Lancashire Cemetery & Crematorium
Pippin Street
Burscough
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 7SP
Tel: 01704 898840
Email: info@westlancashirecrematorium.co.uk
Thornton Garden Of Rest & Crematorium
Situated on the B5207 Lydiate Lane in Thornton near Crosby, the nearest railway station is Crosby.
A car park is located at the rear of the crematorium and drivers are requested not to park on the main drive.
Features
- Chapel - seating approx 80 people
- Hearing loop system
- Organ and sound system to play music
- Book of remembrance room
- Waiting room
- Public conveniences
- Car park
- Disabled parking
- Green flag award site
Office hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 1.00pm to 4.30pm. Please note that the offices are closed at the weekends and on bank holidays
Book of Remembrance
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am to 4pm. At weekends and on bank holidays, the Book of Remembrance page may be turned to another date if required by contacting the warden on 0800 091 0540 between the hours of 2pm and 4pm. Please note that the warden is not always on site and so there may be a short delay in having the page turned. View the book of remembrance online.
Grounds open hours
The grounds open every day of the year from dawn and close at the following:
- 8.30pm (April - August)
- 7pm (September - March)
Contact
Thornton Garden of Rest
Lydiate Lane
Thornton
Liverpool
L23 1TP
Tel: 0151 924 5143
Southport Crematorium
Southport Crematorium is situated just outside Southport in Scarisbrick on the A570 Southport to Ormskirk Road.
A car park is located at the rear of the crematorium and drivers are requested not to park on the main drive.
Features
- Chapel - seating approx 80 people
- Hearing loop system
- Organ and sound system to play music
- Book of remembrance room
- Waiting room
- Public conveniences
- Car park
- Disabled parking
- Green flag award site
Office hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4.30pm. Please note that the offices are closed at the weekends and on bank holidays
Book of Remembrance
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am to 4pm. At weekends and on bank holidays, the Book of Remembrance page may be turned to another date if required by contacting the warden on 0800 091 0540 between the hours of 2pm and 4pm. Please note that the warden is not always on site and so there may be a short delay in having the page turned.
The grounds open every day of the year from dawn.
Closing times are:
January 4pm
February4pm
March 6pm
April 7pm
May 7pm
June 7pm
July 7pm
August 7pm
September 7pm
October 6pm
November 4pm
December 4pm
Contact
Southport Crematorium
Southport Road
Scarisbrick
PR8 5JQ
Tel: 01704 533443
Anfield Crematorium
The Grade II listed Anfield Crematorium opened in 1896 and is the fourth-oldest crematorium in the country. Services take place in the chapel every 40 minutes.
The main entrance is located on Priory Road, next to the crematorium. There are pedestrian entrances at the corner of Priory Road/Walton Road and Cherry Lane.
There are no parking facilities within the crematorium grounds. To ensure access for funeral cars, please do not park within the crematorium grounds. On street parking is available on Priory Road, subject to availability. This area can be very busy for traffic and parking on match days at Anfield and Goodison stadiums.
Features
- Chapel - seating approx 100 people
- Hearing loop system
- Organ and sound system to play music
- Book of remembrance room
- Waiting room
- Public conveniences
- Disabled parking
Opening hours
These opening hours apply to the crematorium gates and Book of Remembrance room. Please note, our bank holiday hours are 9am to 4.30pm
Mon to Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm
Sat 9:00am to 4:30pm
Sun 9:00am to 4:30pm
Contact
Anfield Crematorium
238 Priory Road
Anfiled
Liverpool
L4 2SL
Tel: 0151 233 3004
Refurbishment works to modernise St Helens Crematorium have been completed.
Work on the facilities which, while cherished by the community, required modernisation to meet the needs of residents, and to allow the council to expand the range of services that can be offered to bereaved families.
The £3.5 million project has seen a full refurbishment of the Crematorium building, with a cohesive, modern and respectful style.
Among the improvements are the addition of a small chapel, now fully renovated and reinstated to allow smaller, more intimate services to take place.
The layout of the main chapel has changed, with the catafalque – the platform on which the coffin rests during the service – moved more appropriately to the front and centre of the ceremony room.
Waiting rooms, toilets, offices and facilities have also been replaced to a modern standard.
Office hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Please note that the offices are closed at the weekends and on bank holidays
Contact
St Helens Cemetery & Crematorium
Rainford Road
St Helens
Lancashire
WA10 6DF
Tel: 01744 677406
Useful Contact Phone Numbers And Addresses
Corporation Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 1DA
Tel: 0151 934 2011/2013
Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:15am to 4:00pm
Tuesday 9:15am to 5:30pm
St George's Hall Visitor Centre
St George's Place
Liverpool
Merseyside
L1 1jJ
Tel: 0151 233 3004
Opening time: 24hr call centre
Crosby Town Hall
Great Georges Road
Waterloo
Liverpool
Merseyside
L22 1RB
Tel: 0151 934 3044
Opening times: Monday - Friday 9:15am to 4:00pm
11 High Street
Prescot
Liverpool
Merseyside
L34 3ld
Tel: 0151 443 2900
Opening times: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Tell Us Once is a free government service that allows you to report a death when you suffer a bereavement and need to tell central and local government.
When someone has died, there are lots of things that need to be done, at a time when you probably least feel like doing them. This will include contacting Government departments and local council services that need to be informed.
When you use Tell Us Once, the services notified will include:
- DWP Pensions and Benefits
- Personal Tax
- Council Tax
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Blue Badge
- Electoral Register
- Public Sector Pensions
You will need to contact your Register Office in advance of using the Tell Us Once service which will normally be when you register the death.
The Registrar will advise you how to use the service. The options to contact the Tell Us Once service are:
- Online -www.gov.uk/tell-us-once
- Face-to-face
- Telephone
Lower Lane
Fazakerley
Liverpool
Merseyside
L9 7AL
Tel: 0151 525 5980 (switchboard)
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Mount Vernon Street
Merseyside
L7 8YE
Tel: 0151 706 2000 (switchboard)
Ormskirk District General Hospital
Dickinson Way
Wigan Road
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L39 2AZ
Tel: 01695 577111 (switchboard)
Town Lane
Kew
Merseyside
PR8 6PN
Tel: 01704 547471
Thomas Drive
Liverpool
Merseyside
L14 3LB
Tel: 0151 706 2000 (switchboard)
Warrington Road
Prescot
Liverpool
Merseyside
L35 5DR
Tel: 0151 426 1600 (switchboard)