Practical guidance

Read only what is useful right now.

Plain explanations for the first practical questions people ask. Take them one at a time — you are not expected to know all of this yet.

What to do first

Simple steps for a death in hospital, at home or unexpectedly.

  • If the death was expected at home, contact the GP or district nurse — they can verify the death. Then call us when you feel ready.
  • If the death happened in a hospital or care home, the staff will guide you and explain when the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be collected.
  • If the death was unexpected, call 999 first. The police and coroner may be involved, and we can support you afterwards.
  • You do not need to make decisions about the cremation immediately. Nothing is booked until you confirm it in writing.

Hospital collection

What Robin coordinates and what information may be needed.

  • We collect from hospitals and mortuaries across Greater London and the surrounding area.
  • We usually need the full name, date of birth and place of death of the person who has died.
  • We may also ask for the name and contact details of the person or department who verified the death.
  • Collection from a hospital or mortuary is included in the core price.

Choices for the ashes

Collection, return and other practical possibilities explained clearly.

  • Collect the ashes from us at no extra charge, at a time that suits you.
  • We can return the ashes to a home address for a small additional charge.
  • Many families scatter ashes in a crematorium garden or a place that mattered to them.
  • You can also keep the ashes at home in the container provided.
The cremation journey: Contact, Collection, Cremation, Ashes, Celebration Start in the way that suits you

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