House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Death Certification Reform
09 September 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Reforms to the death certification process in England and Wales have begun.
- The reforms introduce a statutory medical examiner system for all deaths.
- The new system aims to improve support for bereaved individuals and enhance patient safety.
Issue summary
Reforms to the death certification process in England and Wales have begun, focusing on improving support for bereaved individuals and enhancing patient safety.
Action requested
The reforms introduce a statutory medical examiner system that will be legally required for all deaths, either through scrutiny by a medical examiner or investigation by a coroner. This change is designed to provide more transparency and accountability in the death certification process.
Key facts
- Reforms begin today.
- A statutory medical examiner system provides an opportunity for bereaved individuals to raise questions with a senior doctor not involved in the deceased's care.
- All deaths will be subject to either a medical examiner’s scrutiny or a coroner’s investigation, regardless of burial or cremation plans.
- The National Medical Examiner in NHS England oversees the medical examiner system.
- Training for medical examiners is provided by the Royal College of Pathologists.