The death certification system in Wales is changing. From Monday 9th September 2024, every death that has not been referred to a coroner will have to be referred to a medical examiner. 

Medical Examiners are senior doctors who provide independent reviews of the care given to the deceased. They are able to help identify any situations in which there is potential learning for care organisations. They provide the bereaved with an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification or raise concerns regarding the care their loved one received. They also ensure that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is completed as accurately as possible.

The Medical Examiner Service will provide an independent medical review of care and values the thoughts, comments or concerns of the bereaved too. They want to ensure that you have the opportunity for an open and honest discussion about anything that has worried you with someone who understands but is independent of the care your loved one received.

Will this delay my funeral plans?

There should be no delay to any funeral plans you have made. The aim of the service is to prevent delays and work with you to ensure any funeral plans can be carried out when needed. There will be a slight delay of a day before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is completed but you can still book appointments with funeral directors and the Registry Office at this time.

Can I ask the Medical Examiner Service to talk to someone else if it’s too much for me to talk to them?

Yes of course, the Medical Examiner Office may contact you to ask who you would like us to talk to instead, or you can let the medical team know if you would rather we use someone else as a first point of contact. We will usually contact you via phone before you collect the certificate, but we can arrange alternative ways of communication if required.

What will the Medical Examiner Service ask me?

They will let you know what is written on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to check if you have any questions or concerns about it. They will also discuss the Medical Examiner’s review and ask if you have any concerns, comments or questions about the care received, or events leading up to your loved one’s death. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you wish about the death and raise anything that has worried you in any way. 

For more information, please click this link: About Medical Examiner Service - NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership