Patient Affairs A409, Level 4, Queens Building Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol BS2 8HW Tel: 0117 342 9048/9 Switchboard (Bristol): 0117 923 0000 Switchboard (Weston): 01934 636363
Introduction of the Medical Examiner Office University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust is introducing a new Medical Examiner system. This is a new service that is being introduced to all NHS hospitals in England and Wales. The Medical Examiner Office is staffed by a team of Medical Examiners, supported by Medical Examiner Officers. A Medical Examiner is an independent doctor working at the hospital. They are here to ensure the information written on the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) is correct, and that any referrals that need to go to the Coroner are made in a timely fashion to avoid any delays. They scrutinise clinical notes and meet with the treating doctor to discuss the deceased’s care and the cause of death. The Medical Examiner’s Office will be able to share any feedback to the clinical team or request they review the notes to reflect on the care provided and consider if there is any learning to improve the care of patients in the future. Receiving a phone call from a Medical Examiner / Officer You may receive a call from a Medical Examiner or Medical Examiner Officer in the coming days; they will help you understand the wording used on the medical certificate of cause of death. You will have a chance to ask any questions you may have regarding the care of the deceased or their last illness. We are not, at present, able to guarantee that all bereaved families speak to a Medical Examiner. However, we hope to be able to provide this opportunity in the near future. If you do have any questions and have not been able to speak with Medical Examiner, please contact The Patient Affairs Team on 0117 342 9048/9 and they will arrange for someone to contact you.
Chairman: Jeff Farrar
Chief Executive: Robert Woolley