Understanding the Medical Examiners Role
Death of a loved one.
Understanding the medical examiners role.
Who are Medical Examiners?
· It is important that all deaths are reported to the medical examiner to ensure that the information contained on a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is correct and will work with you and the GP to ensure this.
· Medical Examiners and their team will offer families and carers an opportunity to discuss the cause of death of a loved one and the care received. This will usually be done over the phone and if required a meeting can be arranged.
· A key role of the Medical Examiner is to make it easier for the bereaved to understand the wording on the MCCD. Medical Examiners also look at the relevant medical records and discuss the causes of death with the doctor filling in the MCCD.
· Speaking with the Medical Examiner and their team can help improve the care provided by the NHS to other patients and carers in future.
Coroners
· Some deaths must be notified to the Coroner.
· Further information in relation to Coroners can be found on the Ministry of Justice website, as the government are responsible for the guidance.
What questions will I be asked by the Medical Examiner?
· The Medical Examiner will explain what is written on the MCCD, what it means and will ask if you have any questions.
· They will also discuss the Medical Examiner’s review and ask if there are any concerns or questions about the care the person received before their death. This is the best time for you to raise questions and speak about anything that concerns you.
Can I nominate someone else to talk, if it’s too difficult for me?
· Yes, the Medical Examiner or their staff may contact you to ask who you would like us to talk to instead or you can let the medical team know if you would rather appoint someone else as a first point of contact.
Why am I being asked if I have any concerns?
· As well as answering your questions, this can help us to provide better care for patients, their families and carers by recognising ways in which care can be improved in the future.
· A discussion with a Medical Examiner provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and address any worries or concerns.
· The Medical Examiner will provide an independent view of causes of death and the care provided. Medical Examiners and their team members will discuss your thoughts, questions and concerns and if they find issues with care that need further investigation they will refer these on.
Will funeral plans take longer?
· The Medical Examiner’s Office will make every effort to avoid any delays and work with families and carers to meet the legal requirements for registering deaths and therefore it is not anticipated that the funeral plans or release of the body will take longer.
What can I do if I have questions?
· If you are not satisfied with the Medical Examiner’s advice, we suggest you discuss this with staff from the Medical Examiner’s office in the first instance. If you are still not satisfied, you can contact either:
1. The GP Practice that the death certificate was issued from.
How can I contact the Medical Examiner office?
You can contact the Medical Examiner office either by phone or email: Telephone: 01902 695942 Email: rwh-tr.medicalexaminerservice@nhs.net. The opening hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
Leaflet produced: 09/11/2022 Review Date: 01/11/2024
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