Expected Death at Home in Scotland

Immediate steps after an expected death at home in Scotland — who to call, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, contacting a funeral director, organ donation, and what to do first.

1. Call the GP (or 111 out-of-hours) to verify the death. A doctor must confirm the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
2. The GP or care team will provide the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You will need this to register the death with the local registrar within 8 days.
3. Contact a funeral director when you are ready — you do not have to choose today. They can collect the body from home and guide you through next steps. The funeral director will need the Form 14 (authority to bury or cremate).
4. If organ donation might apply, contact NHS Blood and Transplant now — call 0300 123 23 23 (24 hours). Tissue donation may still be possible. In Scotland, the law is opt-out (deemed authorisation) — unless they expressed a wish to opt out.
5. Keep important documents safe. Locate the will, ID, marriage or civil partnership certificate, and bank details.