Information for Families and Carers

Following the death of a loved one, you may be contacted by the Medical Examiner Service. This independent service has been introduced across England and Wales to provide an additional review of deaths that are not investigated by the Coroner.

The Medical Examiner Service helps ensure that causes of death are accurately recorded and gives families an opportunity to ask questions about the care their loved one received.

What Is a Medical Examiner?

A Medical Examiner is an independent senior doctor who was not involved in the care of the person who has died.

They review medical records and discuss the circumstances surrounding the death with the healthcare professionals involved.

Their role is to provide reassurance that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is accurate and that any deaths requiring referral to the Coroner are identified promptly.

How Does the Medical Examiner Help Families?

The Medical Examiner Service provides families and carers with an opportunity to:

• Understand the recorded cause of death.
• Ask questions about the person’s final illness.
• Discuss any concerns regarding the care provided.
• Receive clear information about the next steps following a death.

The service also helps identify opportunities to improve patient care by sharing feedback with healthcare providers where appropriate.

What Happens After a Death?

Before a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued, the Medical Examiner’s Office reviews the case and confirms the recorded cause of death.

The certificate cannot be issued until this review has been completed or, where necessary, the Coroner has been consulted.

How Will I Be Contacted?

A member of the Medical Examiner’s Office will usually contact the Next of Kin or an appropriate representative by telephone.

This call may take place several days after the death, and there is no need to contact the Medical Examiner’s Office unless you have concerns or have not been contacted within a reasonable timeframe.

If another family member or representative would prefer to speak with the Medical Examiner’s Office, this can be arranged during the telephone conversation.

Questions or Concerns?

The Medical Examiner Service is available to answer questions about:

• The cause of death.
• The certification process.
• Care provided before death.
• Any concerns that family members may wish to raise.

Where appropriate, the service can request further reviews or investigations to help improve future care.

Supporting Families Through Bereavement

The Medical Examiner Service exists to provide transparency, reassurance and support during a difficult time.

Families are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification if anything is unclear. The service aims to ensure that every death is reviewed respectfully and that relatives feel informed throughout the process.