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. Before you can book an appointment with the registration service, 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.
Who is a medical examiner and what do they do?
Medical examiners (MEs) are senior registered doctors with extensive experience in clinical practice. Our Gloucestershire team includes nine consultants from various hospital specialties and five general practitioners (GPs) from across the county. They are specially trained in the legal and clinical aspects of death certification, ensuring that every case is handled with the utmost care and sensitivity. The MEs are supported by medical examiner officers (MEOs), who assist with the process.
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 Gloucestershire 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.
We are committed to making this process as smooth and supportive as possible. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In Times of Bereavement
We understand that this is a very difficult time, and managing formal arrangements can feel overwhelming. The information below explains what happens after a death, how the Medical Examiner Office (MEO) is involved, and where you can find support.
What to do after a death
After a death occurs, several legal and medical steps must take place before the death can be formally registered. Many of these steps now happen automatically behind the scenes, and you will be guided through the process.
You do not usually need to attend the GP practice to collect paperwork.
The Medical Examiner & Death Certification Process
What is a Medical Examiner?
A Medical Examiner (ME) is a senior NHS doctor who was not involved in the person’s care. Their role is to independently review every death in England to ensure that:
- The cause of death is accurate and appropriate
- The death has been correctly and lawfully certified
- Families have an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns
This process is routine and applies to almost all deaths.
What is the Medical Examiner Office (MEO)?
The Medical Examiner Office (MEO) supports the Medical Examiner and coordinates this process. The team works independently from GP practices and hospitals.
The MEO may contact the next of kin to help explain the process and answer questions.
What happens after a death?
1. Notification of the death
The death is reported by the hospital, GP practice, care home, or another healthcare professional.
2. Review by the Medical Examiner
The Medical Examiner:
- Reviews relevant medical records
- Considers the circumstances leading up to the death
- Reviews the proposed cause of death
3. Contact with the bereaved family
A member of the Medical Examiner Office may contact you to:
- Explain the cause of death in plain language
- Check whether you have any questions or concerns
- Ask if anything about the death feels unexpected or unclear
This contact is not an investigation and does not suggest that something has gone wrong.
4. Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is completed
- The certificate is sent electronically to the Register Office
You do not need to collect the certificate from the GP practice.
5. Registering the death
The Register Office will advise you on how to formally register the death and arrange an appointment if needed.
Only once the death is registered can funeral arrangements proceed.
Will this cause delays?
In most cases, no.
The Medical Examiner process usually runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral planning. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.
When is the Coroner involved?
Some deaths must be referred to the Coroner by law, for example if:
- The cause of death is unclear
- The death was sudden or unexpected
- The death followed an accident or injury
If a referral is required:
The Coroner will decide the next steps
The Medical Examiner or MEO will explain why
Can I raise concerns?
Yes. The Medical Examiner system exists to ensure families are heard.
You can:
- Ask questions about the cause of death
- Request clarification in plain language
- Raise concerns if something does not feel right
Raising concerns will not delay funeral arrangements.
Do I need to contact the GP practice?
Usually, no.
Once the Medical Examiner process has started:
- GP practices cannot issue death certificates directly
- They may also be waiting for confirmation from the MEO
If you are unsure who to contact, our practice team can help signpost you.
Support for bereavement
Bereavement can affect people in different ways, and support is available.
If you need further help:
- Your GP can advise on bereavement support services
- The Medical Examiner Office can answer questions about certification
- Your local Register Office can guide you through registration
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about what to do next.
Key points to remember
The Medical Examiner system is routine and independent
It improves transparency, safety, and accuracy
Families are encouraged to ask questions
Most deaths are registered without delay