On the 9th of September 2024 the way a death is certified changed. Now, all deaths in England and Wales are independently inspected and bereaved people can ask question. So, what are the steps:
Step 1. When a person dies at home, in a hospital, care home, nursing home, or hospice, a doctor (Attending Practitioner) will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death form (MCCD).
Step 2. The Medical Examiner, who is a senior doctor and not involved in the care of the person who died will:
a. Check the proposed cause of death on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) completed by the doctor is correct, supported by the persons medical history and is clear.
b. Contact you to discuss the cause of death and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the medical care or circumstances surrounding the persons death. NB. You do not have to speak to them if you do not want to.
c. Send the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to the Registrar.
Step 3. At the same time the Medical Examiner’s office will contact you to say you can now register the persons death.
Step 4. You must then make an appointment to go to a registry office and register the death within five days (including weekends and bank holidays). In Northumberland you can call 0345 600 6400 or book online.
Step 5. The Registrar will give you:
a. The Death Certificate (£12.50 per copy), plus extra copies if you want them and
b. A Certificate for burial or cremation (often called the ‘green form’). Northumberland registry offices will email the Certificate for cremation or burial (the green form) to the selected crematorium or to the funeral director if the person is being buried. Without this document the funeral cannot take place.
If the death was unexpected, unexplained or if the Medical Examiner finds any concerns, the case may be referred to a coroner. 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 to enable you to make funeral arrangements.