The Death Certification Reforms, effective from 9 September 2024, simplify and standardise the process of certifying deaths in England and Wales. Under the new rules, all deaths not referred to a coroner must be independently reviewed by NHS medical examiners.
Medical practitioners can now complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) if they attended the deceased at any time in their life, eliminating previous requirements to have seen the patient within 28 days prior to death or after death in person.
Healthcare providers, including GP practices and independent practitioners, must collaborate with NHS medical examiner offices. The process requires access to relevant patient records or summaries, with no need for verbal discussions or viewing the body in most cases. Medical examiners aim to work constructively and respectfully with clinical colleagues while ensuring a supportive process for bereaved families.
The reforms build on earlier efforts to integrate medical examiner reviews in acute trusts and expand their scope to all non-coronial deaths, following government regulations finalised in April 2024.
Source: www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/medical-examiners/the-national-medical-examiner-system/
