general guidance
A new medical examiner system is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide greater scrutiny of deaths.
The stated purpose of the Medical Examiner system is to:
- provide greater safeguards for the public by ensuring proper scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths
- ensure the appropriate direction of deaths to the coroner
- provide a better service for the bereaved and an opportunity for them to raise any concerns to a doctor not involved in the care of the deceased
- improve the quality of death certification
- improve the quality of mortality data.
The involvement of the Medical Examiner should not cause a significant delay to registration, unless the deceased is referred to the coroner as a result.
The Medical Examiner till try to complete the ME scrutiny within three days of being notified of the death.
There is no cost for the Medical Examiner’s involvement.
further information
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9197/
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/25/section/20/notes?view=plain
https://www.england.nhs.uk/establishing-medical-examiner-system-nhs/