Hi, I’m Dr Dave Hindmarsh. I thought I would discuss through with you about the changes in death certfication that are coming into effect as the 9th September. This is a legal requirement and may affect the speed of getting your loved one’s death certification so I thought it sensible to discuss the new process and more importantly why it is happening.
At present if a death is expected, then we as doctors at the practice can issue a death certificate. This will then be passed to the relative to be able to register the death. If there are any serious concerns, or we are not sure, then we may need to contact the coroner.
The new system involves a different group of doctors called medical examiners. This is a group of doctors who are not associated with the practice, but have access to the deceased medical records. The GP will propose a death certificate and this will be authorised by the Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiner will then pass this onto the registrar.
The key changes then in the time. Wheras before, we did our best provide a medical certificate by then end of the next working day. The anticipated new process may take upto five working days. The other change is that the medical examiner will move on the death certificate and not the relative.
The medical examiners office is there to try and improve care and ensure that lessons can be identified. They may get in contact with family members to ensure that you have been listened to too and nothing is missed.
We at Eaglescliffe Medical Practice have been working closely with the medical examiners for the past year to ensure that the systems behind the scenes work. If for religious regions you need the death certificate quickly, then please let the practice know as soon as the patient dies.
So in short.
This comes into effect on the 9th September
For any death that is expected then we will be contacting the medical examiner.
The medical examiner may contact you as a relative.
The death certificate will be signed by two clinicians, one in practice and the medical examiner to then this is passed onto the registry office.
The whole process may take upto 5 working days
Useful links:
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Dr Dave Hindmarsh
Eaglescliffe Medical Practice
