Losing someone close to you can be very difficult. This page explains what happens after a death, including the Medical Examiner process, registering the death and where you can find support.

What happens next?

When someone dies, a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional will confirm the death.

The next steps depend on the circumstances. The death will usually be reviewed by either:

• a Medical Examiner, or
• the Coroner, if the death is unexpected, unexplained or requires further investigation.

You do not need to contact the Medical Examiner yourself. If their involvement is required, their office will contact you.

The Medical Examiner process

For deaths that occur in the community, the process will usually involve:

1. The death is referred for review
The GP provides the Medical Examiner’s Office with the relevant information and medical records.

2. The Medical Examiner reviews the death
An independent Medical Examiner reviews the proposed cause of death and relevant medical information.

3. The Medical Examiner contacts the GP
They may discuss the proposed cause of death or ask for further information.

4. The death certificate is completed
Where appropriate, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is completed.

5. The Medical Examiner speaks to the family
You will have an opportunity to discuss the cause of death, ask questions and raise any concerns.

6. The paperwork is sent to the Registrar
Once the process is complete, the necessary information is sent to the Registrar so that the death can be registered.

You don’t need to manage this process yourself.

The GP practice and Medical Examiner’s Office will complete the necessary steps and contact you if they need anything from you.

What do I need to do?

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1. Wait to hear from the Medical Examiner

If a Medical Examiner review is required, their office will contact you.

You do not need to request this yourself.

2. Register the death

You will be able to register the death once the necessary certification process has been completed and the Registrar has received the required information.

3. Contact a funeral director

You can contact a funeral director before the death has been registered.

They can explain what information they need and help you with the next steps.

4. Ask for support if you need it

Bereavement affects everyone differently. Support is available if you would like someone to talk to or need practical guidance.

What is a Medical Examiner?

A Medical Examiner is a senior NHS doctor who independently reviews deaths that are not investigated by a Coroner.

Their role includes:

• Reviewing the proposed cause of death
• Reviewing relevant medical records
• Discussing the death with the doctor
• Speaking with the bereaved family
• Answering questions about the cause of death
• Giving families an opportunity to raise concerns

The Medical Examiner is independent of the team that cared for the person who died.

Why does the Medical Examiner contact the family?

The Medical Examiner’s Office will offer you an opportunity to discuss the death.

You can:

• Ask questions about the cause of death
• Ask for anything you don’t understand to be explained
• Raise concerns about the care your loved one received
• Provide feedback about their care

If the Medical Examiner identifies concerns requiring further investigation, they will explain what happens next.

What if the death is referred to the Coroner?

A Medical Examiner is a senior NHS doctor who independently reviews deaths that Some deaths must be referred to the Coroner, including certain unexpected or unexplained deaths.

If this happens, the Coroner’s Office will decide whether further investigation is required and will explain the next steps to the family.

A referral to the Coroner does not necessarily mean that something has gone wrong.

How long does the process take?

The time required can vary depending on the circumstances of the death and whether further information or review is needed.

The Medical Examiner’s Office and other services involved will progress the necessary paperwork as soon as possible.

If there is a delay requiring action from you, you will be contacted.

Can I arrange the funeral before registering the death?

You can contact a funeral director at any time.

They can begin discussing arrangements with you and will explain which documents or information will be required before the funeral can take place.

Bereavement support

Grief can affect people in different ways, and support is available.

You can contact the practice if you are struggling following a bereavement or would like advice about support available to you.

You can also access specialist bereavement support through Cruse Bereavement Support.