Arlington Funeral Services
What Happens When Someone Dies
When someone dies, it can feel difficult to know where to begin. Arlington Funeral Services is here to offer calm guidance when you need it most.
Guidance and Support — One Step at a Time
From the moment of passing to the final arrangements, we will support you with clarity, dignity and sensitivity. Every step is explained gently, including important legal requirements such as the new Medical Examiner process introduced nationally in September 2024.
Step 1: Immediate Actions
If the death occurs at home, call the funeral service or alternatively the district nurse. Contact their GP, who will confirm the death if it was expected. If it occurs outside GP hours, contact NHS 111 for advice. A medical professional must verify the death before any arrangements can take place. If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, staff will guide you through the initial procedures.
Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director
Once the death has been confirmed, you may contact us. Your loved one can be brought into our care — respectfully and professionally — and we will discuss the next steps with you gently. Arlington Funeral Services is available day and night, 365 days a year. Tel: 01782 818888, Email: arlingtonfs@btconnect.com
Step 3: The Medical Examiner Process
Introduced in England and Wales — 9th September 2024. Before a doctor can issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, all deaths must now be reviewed under this system. The Medical Examiner will review medical notes, speak to the attending doctor, decide whether a certificate can be issued, and refer to the Coroner if further investigation is needed.
Step 4: Registering the Death
The death must be registered within 5 days (England & Wales) with a Register Office in the district where it occurred. You will need to provide full name, date of birth and address of the deceased, date and place of death, occupation, details of spouse or civil partner (if applicable), National Insurance number (if known), and information about any benefits or pensions. The Register Office will provide a Green Form, BD8 Form, and Death Certificate.
Step 5: If the Coroner Becomes Involved
A Coroner may be required if the death was sudden or unexplained, no doctor attended recently, or it occurred during surgery or work-related activity. Local Coroners include Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire Coroner and South Staffordshire Coroner.
Step 6: Tell Us Once Service
This government service allows multiple organisations to be informed at one time, including DWP, HMRC, DVLA, Passport Office, and local council services. The registrar will help set this up after the registration appointment.
Step 7: Arranging the Funeral
Once the death is registered and the Green Form issued, we can begin making arrangements. We will guide you through your choices — gently and at your pace: Direct Cremation, Simple or Traditional Cremation, Bespoke Funeral Service, Burial Arrangements, Woodland or Natural Burial, Thanksgiving or Memorial Services.
Get in touch
Contact Us
We are here to support you, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Arlington House, Ford Green Rd, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NX
- 01782818888
- arlingtonfs@btconnect.com
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week