Death Certificate

Understanding the new medical examiner process

Non-urgent advice: Changes in the way you register a death

We understand that losing a loved one is a deeply difficult experience. We want to inform you about important changes in the process of registering a death, which are designed to ensure accuracy and provide you with the support you need during this time.

What has changed?

The law has changed regarding how we issue the necessary paperwork to register a death. A member of the medical examiner (ME) service will need to speak with you. During this conversation, they will:

  • Explain the wording on the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD).
  • Answer any questions or address concerns you might have about the death.

Once these steps have been completed, the Medical Examiner will sign the medical certificate issued by the attending doctor and send it directly to the Registrar of Births and Deaths.

What to expect?

Medical examiners (MEs) are senior registered doctors with extensive experience in clinical practice. 

Medical examiner offices in England are independent services, based at acute trusts (and a small number of specialist trusts). They are staffed by a team of medical examiners, supported by medical examiner officers. For Sussex this service is operated by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

  • A phone call from a Medical Examiner’s Officer or Medical Examiner
  • To be informed of what has been listed as the cause of death
  • The chance to ask questions, raise concerns, or give feedback
  • Who is a medical examiner and what do they do?

The role of the medical examiner

The medical examiner has three primary legal responsibilities:

  • Determining the cause of death: The ME ensures that the cause of death is accurately reflected on the MCCD for clarity and to improve the accuracy of mortality data.
  • Referral to the coroner: If necessary, the ME will determine whether the death needs to be reported to the coroner and explain the reasons why.
  • Addressing concerns: The ME will identify any concerns regarding the care provided to the deceased, whether raised by healthcare staff, the bereaved family, or observed during their review. These concerns will be escalated to the appropriate department or staff for further investigation.

Supporting you through the process

During your conversation with someone from the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust medical examiner team, you will receive guidance on the practical and legal steps needed to register the death. They will clearly explain the wording on the certificate of cause of death and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns you may have.