Death Certification and the Process

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends who have lost a loved one both within the community and whilst they were a patient in our Trust. You may have many questions concerning what happens next.

We have a dedicated team of Medical Examiner’s Officers who are here for you.

What happens now?

Community Deaths

If your loved one passed within the community the process of registering a death changes in April 2023.

Your loved one’s GP will need to send a referral to the Medical Examiner’s Office so that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) can be checked by an independent doctor called a Medical Examiner.

The Medical Examiner checks the MCCD ensure that the cause of death is accepted. The Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) will then contact you and explain the process for registering the death if no concerns have been raised.

This has always been the process for deaths which occur within hospital settings. A new Government Mandate from April 2023 will set out a new law that all deaths will need to be inspected by a Medical Examiner.

Inpatient Deaths

If your loved one passed away in a Trust facility, the Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) will contact you in 24 hours after receiving notice of your loved one passing. They will explain the process surrounding obtaining a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and give you the opportunity to raise any concerns.

The doctor who last attended your loved one must go to the MEO before the MCCD is completed. The MCCD is then checked by an independent doctor called a Medical Examiner to ensure that the cause of death is accepted.

The Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) will then contact you and explain the process for registering the death if no concerns have been raised.

Important Notes:

1. There is no delay in appointing a funeral director of your choice. We advise you to appoint one as soon as possible so that once the MCCD has been completed; we can transfer your loved one to them.
2. Please do not make an appointment at the Registry Office until you have been notified by the MEO Office that the MCCD has been completed.

I don’t know if I am going to cope – where can I get some support?

If you feel that you need some support both physically and emotionally, there is support available. Make use of the helpful information tab to find a list of services for the bereaved.

If you need anything at all, please contact us at the Medical Examiner’s Office.