This post has been written with reference to the relevant pages on the Government website.
The death certification system in England and Wales has remained almost unchanged for over 50 years. The government has decided to introduce a system in England and Wales, and the new regulations will take effect from 12.01am on 9th September 2024 – any Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) that is produced after this time will have to go through the new process, even if the death happened before this time.
An independent review will be carried out for all deaths in England and Wales, without exception. This will be done either by a Medical Examiner or by investigation by a Coroner.
We’ve given you the details below, but you don’t need to worry. As we have been for over 230 years, we’re here to help, explain and to guide you through the process.
Here’s how the new system will work:
- A Doctor (the “attending practitioner”) will complete the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) if they have attended the deceased at any point in the deceased’s lifetime. (There’s no longer any need to have seen the deceased within a certain number of days, or to do so after death.)
- The Doctor must share the MCCD with a Medical Examiner (ME). The ME is a senior medical doctor who will independently scrutinise causes of death within their jurisdiction. In London they usually cover one or more Hospital Trusts plus one or more Boroughs (for deaths “in the community” rather than in a hospital).
The ME is trained in the legal and clinical elements of death certification processes and will not have been involved in caring for the patient. The ME will give you the opportunity to ask questions and to raise concerns.
- Once the Doctor and the ME have completed their declarations and the cause of death is confirmed, the MCCD will be sent to the Registrar (at the Council in whose area the death happened, as it is now).
The family will at the same time be told that they can contact the Registrar to arrange the registration of the death. You’ll still have to go to the Registrar’s office in person by appointment.
As they do now, the Registrar will issue the Death Certificate (and any extra copies that you may need) and the “green form”, which the funeral director will need. (Some offices will help by emailing the “green form” to us directly – its worth asking them.)
- Sometimes the death may be reported to the Coroner (as it is now). They will decide either:
- that the cause of death is clear or
- that a post-mortem is needed and/or
- to hold an inquest
This may take a little time, but doesn’t usually delay the funeral significantly.
The Coroner will certify the cause of death.
Under the new system the doctor no longer needs to complete a special form when the funeral is to be a cremation, so there won’t be a charge of £82 on the bill.
We hope that this is helpful and clear, but if you’ve got any questions please speak to one of our team at any of our offices.
Further information:
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Regulations 2024
The Medical Examiners (England) Regulations 2024
Guidance from the NHS on the national medical examiner system
Registering a death
Guide to coroner services
