Since September 2024, there have been important changes to the process for completing a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) in England and Wales. These changes were introduced nationally to improve patient safety, provide greater independent scrutiny of deaths, and give bereaved families an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns before a death is registered.
What has changed?
Under the new system, almost every death that is not investigated by a Coroner must now be reviewed by an independent Medical Examiner before the MCCD can be finalised and sent to the Registrar. The Medical Examiner is a senior doctor who reviews the medical records, discusses the cause of death with the certifying clinician, and offers the deceased person’s relatives an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.
Why might it take longer?
Previously, the MCCD could often be completed and issued more quickly by the patient’s doctor. Under the new process, the certificate usually cannot be released until the Medical Examiner has completed their review and confirmed the proposed cause of death.
This additional review is an important safeguard, but it means there can be delays compared with the process that families may have experienced in the past. The length of time can vary depending on factors such as the need for the Medical Examiner to review records and discuss the case, and whether any concerns arise that require referral to the Coroner.
What does this mean for families?
We understand that obtaining a death certificate promptly is important when making funeral arrangements and dealing with practical matters after a bereavement. While our clinicians will complete the necessary documentation as quickly as possible, some parts of the process are now dependent on external services, including the Medical Examiner’s Office. As a result, practices are unable to guarantee timescales for issuing death certificates.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. The additional checks are intended to ensure that deaths are certified accurately and that families have an opportunity to ask questions and receive support where needed.
Kind regards,
A&WMC
