expected death of patients
Last reviewed 01/2018
- if the death occurs in the patient's own home then it is wise to visit as soon as the urgent needs of living patients permit
- if the death occurs in a nursing or residential home and the GP who attended the patient during the last illness is available, then it is sensible for the GP to attend when practicable and issue a death certificate
- if an 'on-call' doctor is on duty, whether in or out of hours, it is unlikely that any useful purpose will be served by that particular doctor attending. In such cases it is recommended that the GP advises the home to contact the undertaker if they wish the body to be removed and ensure that the GP with whom the patient was registered is notified as soon as practicable