Medical Examiner Scrutiny for Community Death: Requirement from April 2024

Medical Examiner scrutiny for community deaths: Requirement from April 2024

Medical Examiners provide independent scrutiny of deaths not taken at the outset for coroner investigation. They put the bereaved at the centre of processes after the death of a patient, by giving families and next of kin an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns. Medical Examiners carry out a proportionate review of medical records, and liaise with doctors completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).  Medical Examiners can offer GPs and other community providers support with complex cases, administrative elements of notifications to coroners where agreed, and reduced administration.

The 3 Lead Medical Examiners across Hertfordshire and West Essex have taken part in this webinar to further explain the processes, requirements and support available as well as the pilots that will be taking place. Medical Examiner scrutiny will be a requirement from April 2024, however the date and timeframe for this to transition into a statutory requirement is still to be confirmed.

For any queries, in the first instance please contact Rosie Connolly, ICB Associate Director Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, at rosie.connolly@nhs.net and she will connect you to the appropriate Medical Examiner office or help to address your query.