Kent couple's anger at death certificate delay
A couple have slammed the local authorities after it took 15 days to issue a death certificate.
Amanda and Anthony Boakes were left frustrated after being forced to wait more than two weeks for the document.
Anthony's mother Valeria Lesley Boakes passed away on Sunday, March 4, aged 69.
She died from complications caused by the cold weather, alongside other pre-existing health conditions.
After being taken into the intensive care unit at Darent Valley Hospital, Valeria never regained conciousness.
During this traumatic time, the couple were under pressure to deal with her personal finances and funeral arrangements.
They received a call on Monday, March 5, instructing them to go to the Dartford hospital and collect a death note, which they did.
Amanda and Anthony, of Pier Road in Northfleet, then arranged an appointment at Dartford Register Office for that Thursday.
Upon arrival, they were told that because the word sepsis had been used on the death note, a coroner's signature would be required in order to obtain a certificate.
After numerous calls to the register office and coroner, the couple waited for answers that never came.
They were finally offered an appointment in Sevenoaks on Friday, March 16.
However, this could not go ahead, as the paperwork that was needed remained in Dartford.
Worker Anthony found the events particularly difficult, as he is often abroad due to his work for Simpsons Removals in Swanscombe.
Amanda, who has recently started a job at UCC Coffee in Dartford, was also left struggling to juggle work alongside their ongoing administrative battle.
Finally, on Monday, March 19, Anthony and Amanda were able to get the death certificate they needed.
"You shouldn't have to wait during such a stressful time... I think this is disgraceful" - Amanda Boakes
Amanda said: "The council need more staff, they can’t keep up with the amount of deaths.
"You shouldn't have to wait during such a stressful time.
"I want to name and shame the local authorities, as I think this is disgraceful."
A spokesman for Kent Coroners’ Service said: "The referral was received by our office on 8th March from the registrar as the regulations were not satisfied with regard to the cause of death given by the doctor.
"The case was allocated to one of our officers on Friday, March 9 for initial investigation and contact with the hospital.
"This was difficult due to the weekend and access to the doctor.
"The enquiries were expedited at the earliest opportunity, on Wednesday, March 14 with the doctor, processed by the Coroner that same day and the relevant papers sent back to the registration service for them to rebook the appointment and register the death.
"It is very unfortunate that we were unable to process this case any quicker due to factors outside our control."
The couple have not yet made an official complaint, but are seeking to do so in the future.