The death certification process has changed recently with the addition of the medical examiner (ME) who will review all deaths prior to a death certificate (MCCD) being issued.

If the death of your loved one is expected to occur in the next few days in the community, please contact your GP and ask for a clinical review in order to reduce any delays. It may not need to be face-to-face but it is ideal if someone can be familiar with their medical records in order to complete the required paperwork and documentation for acquiring a MCCD.

Once death has occurred, it can be verified by any healthcare professional (including GP, district nurse or paramedic) so please contact 111, your GP practice or the district nurse for advice.

Any doctor involved in the care of your loved one can complete the referral to the medical examiner, with an overview of their illness and what they believe was the cause of death. They do not have to have seen your loved one within 28 days of death but must have seen them face-to-face at some point during their lifetime.

The medical examiner will scrutinise the patient’s record and agree a cause of death. In some circumstances the case may need to be referred to the coroner if any irregularities are identified.

You will be contacted by the medical examiner office to discuss your loved one’s care and the cause of death so please be aware they will call. This will be asked when you register the death so it would be preferable if the same person that speaks to the ME can register the death.

Following this a death certificate can be issued by the doctor that completed the initial referral, allowing you to make an appointment with the registrar and arrange for burial.