Reforms proposed to death certification process

Yesterday, the Department of Health launched a consultation on its proposed reforms to the death certification process. The suggested changes would see the introduction of medical examiners to scrutinise all deaths that are not investigated by a coroner.

The consultation document describes how the new death certification process and medical examiner system will work. It seeks views about the system and on the accompanying draft regulations, which will provide the framework for death certification in England and Wales.

The consultation is aimed at local authorities who will establish a medical examiner service, health and care professionals involved in the process as well as members of the public and all service providers involved when a death occurs.

The consultation and supporting documents can be found at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/death-certification-reforms. 

Enquiries or responses to the consultation can be submitted to: [email protected]. 

The consultation runs until 15 June 2016.