Registering a Death
Under the New Medical Examiner Regulations
The process of registering a death in the UK has been updated with the introduction of Medical Examiner (ME) Regulations. These changes aim to ensure that the cause of death is thoroughly reviewed, improving accuracy and transparency for bereaved families. Below, we explain the updated process and how it affects you when
registering the death of a loved one.
Medical Examination and Certification
When a death occurs, whether at home, in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice, a doctor will issue a
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) directly to the Medical Examiner.
Under the new Medical Examiner Regulations, an independent Medical Examiner (ME)
will review the cause of death to ensure it is accurate and clear.
This is an additional safety measure to avoid potential errors in certification and to provide peace of mind to families.
What the Medical
Examiner Does
Reviews the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
The ME will review the cause of death provided by the doctor, ensuring it is correct and
supported by the patient's medical history.
Speaks with the Family
As part of this process, the ME will contact the deceased’s
family to discuss the cause of death, answer any questions, and ensure there are no
concerns about the medical care or circumstances surrounding the death.
Confirms the Cause of Death
Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied, they approve the MCCD,
allowing you to proceed with the registration of the death.
Contacting
The Registrar
After the Medical Examiner’s review and approval of the MCCD,
you must register the death at a local Register Office.
To register a death that occurred in Somerset and North Somerset, call 01823 282251.
Obtaining The Death Certificate
Upon completion of the registration, the registrar will issue a Death Certificate. You will need multiple copies of this certificate to handle the deceased's affairs, such as notifying banks, insurance companies, and pension providers. Each certificate will cost £12.50.
You will also receive a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (often referred to as the "green form"), which is required to proceed with the funeral. You may find that the registrar sends this certificate directly to the
funeral director, cemetery or crematorium.
Once the registration has been carried out, further copies of the death certificate are available to order on line.
What If the Death is Referred to the Coroner?
If the death was unexpected, unexplained, or if the Medical Examiner finds any concerns during the review process, the case may be referred to a coroner. In such cases, the coroner will investigate further to determine the cause of death. This may involve a post-mortem or inquest, depending on the circumstances.
Once the coroner is satisfied, they will issue the necessary documents, allowing you to proceed with registering the death and making funeral arrangements.
A referral to the coroner can be daunting and at times, confusing.
Please call us for additional guidance and to discuss your family's individual circumstances.
Arranging The Funeral
After the death has been registered, you can begin planning the funeral. Groves Family Funeral Directors will support you through this process, helping to ensure all legal requirements are met and that the service
honours the life of your loved one.
