Medical Examiner’s Office

Medical Examiner’s Office

The Medical Examiner’s Office will deal with the issuing of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In certain circumstances a death will need to be referred to the Coroner.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will telephone the next of kin or nominated contact as soon as possible after the death. They will discuss the death with you, discuss certain matters and explain the death registration process.

Who are Medical Examiners and Medical Examiner Officers?

The purpose of the Medical Examiner system is to provide a means of appropriate scrutiny of all deaths not reported to the Coroner and a point of contact for bereaved families to raise concerns about the care provided prior to the death of a loved one. Medical Examiners are senior Consultants who give independent advice about what caused deaths.

Medical examiners and their officers offer families and carers of the person who has died an opportunity to raise questions or concerns about the causes of death or about the care the person received before their death. This will usually be through a telephone call or sometimes a meeting. They can explain what medical terminology means and make it easier to understand. Medical Examiners also look at the relevant medical records and discuss the causes of death with the doctor who is responsible for completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

Why am I being asked if I have any concerns?

A discussion with a Medical Examiner or their officers provides you with an opportunity to have an open and honest conversation with an independent professional who was not involved in providing care to the patient. It is also an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.

What questions will I be asked?

The Medical Examiner or their officers will explain what is written on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and check if you have any questions or concerns.

What will happen if something is not right?

The Medical Examiner and their officers are here to listen to your questions and concerns, provide answers if possible and, if necessary, pass them on to someone who can investigate further.

Will funeral plans or release of the body take longer?

Medical Examiners make every effort to avoid any delays and work with families and carers of the person who died to meet the legal requirements for registering deaths. Medical Examiners and their staff will try to be flexible, for example where relatives need the release of the body quickly.

What can I do if I have questions or concerns about the Medical Examiner process?

If you are not satisfied with the medical examiner’s advice, we suggest you discuss this with the Medical Examiner’s office in the first instance. If you are still not satisfied you can contact the Regional Medical Examiner’s Officer.

How do I contact the Medical Examiner’s office?

Your point of contact will remain the Bereavement Office on 01625 661 107 or 661 105 who will liaise with the Medical Examiner’s office

Address: Medical Examiner’s Office Silk House - Ground Floor Macclesfield District General Hospital Victoria Road Macclesfield SK10 3BL

Email: Medicalexaminers.office@stockport.nhs.uk Opening hours: 10.00 – 16:00 (Monday – Friday)