Yes. Adam and Jason Heath are the 6th generation of Heaths to own and run John Heath and Sons. We have been serving the people of sheffield for 135 years. We are fully independent and give a personal service to our customers at a difficult time.
John Heath and Sons were founder members of the National Association of Funeral Directors. Adam Heath is a national spokesman on behalf of all members of the trade association and is also on the board of examiners. Both Jason and Adam Heath are of course fully qualified funeral directors. We are also members of the British Institute of Embalmers, The British Institute of Funeral Directors and founder members of the prestigious Selected Independent Funeral Homes and serve on the executive committee of the European Group.
The death will need to be registered in the area where the death occurred, even if the death occurred a distance from home. The hospital and/or John Heath and Sons will be able to advise you on this.
Deaths in England and Wales or Northern Ireland should be registered within 5 days – if this is not going to be possible, you should inform the Registrar. In Scotland, deaths must be registered within 8 days.
When a death which has been expected occurs at home or at a nursing home, the doctor who has been treating the deceased should be contacted. Provided the deceased has seen a the doctor during their final illness (within the previous 14 days) the doctor or a colleague will either attend to confirm that death has occurred, or will give permission for the deceased to be transferred to a funeral firm’s premises, if it is your wish for this to happen.
If a relative who has been a hospital in patient dies, the doctors who have been treating the deceased will usually be able to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of death. Ask the ward staff or doctor what you need to do to collect this certificate, or contact John Heath and Sons for advice. Most hospitals will give family members the opportunity to sit with the deceased before transfer to a private room. The deceased will then be taken to the mortuary from where they will be collected and brought into our care.
John Heath and Sons will help you form a meaningful funeral service whether this be religious or non-religious. We are able to contact all denominations and can advise and assist with as much or as little as a family requires.
There is no death grant any longer, however some people may be eligible to claim assistance with some parts of the funeral from the Department of Work and Pensions. If a person has been widowed at a young age, there may be further assistance from the DWP.