Bereavement Support

Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and challenging experience. At Westongrove Partnership, we want to extend our sincerest condolences and support to you and your family during this difficult time. This guide provides practical information and links to local bereavement services.

Immediate Steps

When someone dies, there are several practical steps that need to be taken.

1. Obtaining a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

  • If the person dies at home: Please contact the surgery, the GP will then liaise with the Medical Examiner’s office to issue the MCCD.
  • If the person dies in hospital: The hospital’s bereavement office will guide you through the process of obtaining the MCCD.

2. Registering the Death

You must register the death within 5 days of the MCCD being issued. You can book an appointment to register the death at a Buckinghamshire registry office.

  • Book an appointment: You can book an appointment online at the Buckinghamshire Council website.
  • Locations: The main registry offices are in Aylesbury and Beaconsfield.

3. Informing the Coroner

In some cases, the death may be referred to the coroner. This is a legal requirement if the death was sudden, unexpected, or the cause is unknown. The coroner’s office will provide guidance on the next steps.

Buckinghamshire Coroner Service: You can contact them on 01494 475 505.

Emotional Support and Counselling

Grief is a natural response to loss, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. It is important to be kind to yourself and seek support if you need it.

Local Bereavement Support

  • Cruse Bereavement Support Buckinghamshire: A national charity with a local branch offering free, confidential support, advice, and information to children, young people, and adults when someone dies.
    • Phone: 01494 511 117 (local) or 0808 808 1677 (national helpline)
    • Website: www.cruse.org.uk
  • Florence Nightingale Hospice Bereavement Listening and Support Service: Offers bereavement support to anyone registered with a Buckinghamshire GP.
    • Phone: 01296 332600
  • Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care: Provides bereavement support, including one-to-one support, group sessions, and compassionate cafes.
  • Child Bereavement UK: Offers support for families and professionals when a child of any age dies or when a child grieves.

NHS Talking Therapies

If you are struggling with your mental health following a bereavement, you can self-refer to NHS Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies.

Support for Children and Young People

Children and young people grieve too, and it’s important to support them through their loss.

Winston’s Wish: A charity that provides support for bereaved children and young people.

Hope Again: A website from Cruse Bereavement Support specifically for young people. www.hopeagain.org.uk

We Are Here to Help

The team at Westongrove Partnership is here to support you during this difficult time. Please contact the surgery if you need to speak to a GP or require further information about local bereavement services.