The Medical Examiner

A new statutory medical examiner system is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide independent scrutiny of deaths, and to give bereaved people a voice. From 9 September 2024 all deaths in any health setting that are not investigated by a coroner will be reviewed by NHS medical examiners. The changes, which form part of the Department of Health’s Death Certification Reforms, were announced by the government on 15 April 2024, and come into force on 9 September 2024.

As part of the changes, there will be a new medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD). From 9 September 2024, medical practitioners will be able to complete an MCCD if they attended the deceased in their lifetime.

Please visit here to see full document.

To adapt the new process, we have consolidated a couple of resources to help:

There is a useful “dummies” guide on how to navigate the process, with thanks to Dr Andrea Priestley from Charlotte Keel Medical Practice. Please click here for CKMP Medical Examiner Service.

Developed in collaboration with Dr Lee Salkeld of Whiteladies Health Centre and One Care, this is a guide about how to utilise the Medical Examiners Referral F12. It will help to streamline the referral process from General Practitioners (GPs) to the Medical Examiner’s office.

Thanks to Dr Hussain Gandhi. (Dr “Gandalf”), here is a video outlining the new process.