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The Death Certificate Process
What is a Medical Examiner?
A Medical Examiner (ME) is a senior NHS doctor who was not involved in the care of the person who has died. Their role is to provide an independent review of the death before it is formally registered.
The Medical Examiner will check that the proposed cause of death is accurate and appropriate, that the death has been correctly certified, and that the family has an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.
This is a routine process and applies to almost all deaths in England.
What is the Medical Examiner Office?
The Medical Examiner Office (MEO) supports the Medical Examiner and coordinates the process. The team works independently of the healthcare professionals who cared for the person who died.
A member of the Medical Examiner Office may contact the next of kin to explain the proposed cause of death, answer questions and discuss any concerns.
What happens after a death?
- The death is notified
The hospital, GP practice or other healthcare professional notifies the Medical Examiner Office of the death and provides the relevant medical information.
- The Medical Examiner reviews the death
The Medical Examiner reviews the relevant medical records, considers the circumstances surrounding the death and discusses the proposed cause of death with the doctor completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- The family may be contacted
A member of the Medical Examiner Office may contact the next of kin. This allows you to have the cause of death explained in plain language, ask any questions and raise any concerns about the care provided or the circumstances surrounding the death.
This contact is a routine part of the process and does not mean that anything has gone wrong.
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is completed
Once the initial Medical Examiner review has been completed, the GP completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This is then sent back to the Medical Examiner for a final review. Once approved, the MCCD is sent electronically to the Register Office.
You do not normally need to collect the certificate from the GP practice.
- Registering the death
The Register Office will advise you about registering the death and arranging an appointment where required.
Once the death has been registered, the necessary documentation can be issued to allow the funeral arrangements to be finalised.
The Medical Examiner review is a routine part of the process following a death and is usually completed promptly. Occasionally, the Medical Examiner may need further information or may need to refer the death to the Coroner. If this is necessary, you will be informed and the next steps will be explained to you.
