A Step-by-Step Guide from Wearside Direct Cremations
A Step-by-Step Guide from Wearside Direct Cremations
Losing someone you love can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and it is completely natural to be unsure about what needs to happen next.
At Wearside Direct Cremations, we are here to guide you every step of the way. You do not need to have all the answers before calling us. Our experienced team will explain everything clearly, answer your questions and support you through every stage of the arrangements.
The guide below explains the steps that usually need to be taken following a death.
We're Here Whenever You Need Us
We're Here Whenever You Need Us
One phone call is all it takes to begin.
Whether your loved one has passed away at home, in hospital, a hospice or a care home, our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the process with compassion, dignity and understanding.
You do not need to remember everything on this page.
That is why we are here.
Step 1 – Confirm the Death
If the death happens at home
If your loved one dies at home, contact their GP during normal surgery hours or call NHS 111 outside of these times.
A healthcare professional will attend to verify the death before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued.
If the death happens in hospital
Hospital staff will guide you through the next steps and liaise with the Medical Examiner before the necessary documentation is completed.
If the death happens in a care home or hospice
The care team will support you and explain the next steps whilst the appropriate medical professionals complete the required documentation.
Step 2 – Contact Wearside Direct Cremations
Once the death has been verified, contact our caring team.
We will:
Unlike many national providers, your loved one remains under the care and guidance of Thompson Brothers & Sons Funeral Directors throughout every stage of the arrangements.
Step 3 – The Medical Examiner Process
Since September 2024, every death in England and Wales is independently reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued.
The Medical Examiner may:
This independent review provides additional reassurance for families before funeral arrangements continue.
Step 4 – Registering the Death
In most circumstances, a death should be registered within five days of the Medical Certificate being issued, unless the Coroner is involved.
You will usually need:
The Registrar will provide the documentation needed for the funeral arrangements and explain the Tell Us Once service.
Step 5 – Arranging the Direct Cremation
Step 5 – Arranging the Direct Cremation
Once the documentation has been completed, we will arrange every aspect of the Direct Cremation on your behalf.
Our fully inclusive service includes:
Step 6 – Take Your Time to Remember
One of the benefits of Direct Cremation is that there is no pressure to organise a funeral service immediately.
Many families choose to arrange a memorial or celebration of life days, weeks or even months later, allowing everyone time to come together.
Whether you choose a church service, a family gathering, the scattering of ashes in a meaningful place, memorial jewellery or another personal tribute, there is no right or wrong way to remember someone you love.
Step 7 – Inform Organisations
Following the death you may need to notify:
Many government departments can be notified through the Tell Us Once service.
Tell Us Once
The Government's Tell Us Once service helps notify several government departments at the same time, including:
Your Registrar will explain how the service works during your appointment.
Government Information
Tell Us Once
Coroner Involvement
Coroner Involvement
Occasionally, a death must be referred to the Coroner.
This may happen if:
The Coroner's Office will explain the next steps and keep you informed throughout the process.
Bereavement Support
Grief affects everyone differently.
If you would like additional support, the following organisations can help.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Winston's Wish
Supporting bereaved children and young people.
Useful Local Contacts (Hospitals)
Sunderland Royal Hospital
South Tyneside District Hospital
University Hospital of North Durham
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead
Register Offices
Sunderland Register Office
South Tyneside Register Office
Newcastle Register Office
Durham Register Office
Coroner
HM Coroner for Sunderland, South Tyneside & Gateshead
Need Advice?
If you have any questions after reading this guide, please don't worry.
You do not have to remember every step.
Simply contact our caring team and we will guide you through everything, one step at a time.
Wearside Direct Cremations
Keeping Loved Ones Local. Caring for Families. Providing Peace of Mind.