Medical examiners service 

The Medical Examiners Service provides an independent review of the cause of death and the care a person received before they died.

What is the medical examiners service?

Medical examiners are senior NHS doctors who have completed specialist training to carry out independent reviews of deaths.

They work alongside trained medical examiner officers.

Together, they:

  • Review medical records
  • Check the accuracy of the cause of death
  • Speak with families and carers
  • Support doctors completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

Their role applies to most deaths that do not require investigation by a coroner.

The service is independent of the clinical teams involved in the person’s care.

What support do medical examiners provide?

Medical examiners and officers can help you to:

  • Understand the cause of death
  • Have medical terms explained in plain English
  • Ask questions about care received
  • Raise concerns about treatment
  • Access further support if needed

Contact usually takes place by telephone, but meetings or alternative arrangements may be offered where appropriate.

What is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)?

The MCCD is the official document that records the medical cause of death.

Before it is completed:

  • The medical examiner reviews the information
  • The doctor discusses it with the examiner
  • Any concerns are addressed

This helps ensure the information is accurate and appropriate.

When is the coroner involved?

Some deaths must be reported to a coroner, who may decide to carry out an independent investigation.

Examples include deaths that are:

  • Sudden or unexplained
  • Related to accidents or injury
  • Linked to possible safety concerns

In these cases:

  • The coroner leads the investigation
  • The medical examiner may provide medical advice
  • The Medical Examiner’s Office will support you

Further information is available in the Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 guidance.

Speaking with a medical examiner

You may be offered the opportunity to speak with a medical examiner or officer.

This is your chance to:

  • Ask why the person died
  • Clarify anything you do not understand
  • Raise concerns about care
  • Share feedback

If issues require further review, they will be referred to the appropriate NHS team.

Your feedback also helps improve future patient care.

Appointing an alternative contact

If you prefer not to speak directly, you can nominate another person to act on your behalf.

This could be:

  • A family member
  • A friend
  • A legal representative

Let the care team know your preference. Contact is usually by phone, but adjustments can be made if needed.

Questions you may be asked

During your conversation, you may be asked:

  • If you understand the cause of death
  • Whether you have any concerns
  • If anything about the care did not feel right

You can ask as many questions as you need.

If staff cannot answer immediately, they will follow up as soon as possible.

Choosing not to speak with a medical examiner

It is your choice whether to speak with the medical examiner.

If you decide not to:

  • Your wishes will be respected
  • You can contact the office later if you change your mind

Many families find these conversations helpful, but there is no obligation.

If you have concerns about care

Medical examiners listen carefully to concerns and can refer them for further review.

They do not carry out formal investigations themselves, as their role must be completed within legal timescales.

If further investigation is needed, they will explain what happens next.

Impact on funeral arrangements

Medical examiners work to avoid unnecessary delays.

They aim to:

  • Support timely registration of death
  • Minimise disruption to funeral plans
  • Respect cultural and family wishes

Where possible, they will support early release of the body.

If you are unhappy with the process

If you are dissatisfied with the support provided:

  • Raise your concerns with the Medical Examiner’s Office first
  • Staff will try to resolve the issue promptly
  • Further routes will be explained if needed

Contact your local medical examiner office

You can contact the office covering the hospital where your relative died.

Contact details

Basildon Hospital

Phone number:
01268 394736
Phone number:
01268 593158
Email:
[email protected]

Contact details

Broomfield Hospital

Phone number:
01245 362000 (Extension 2015–2018)
Email:
[email protected]

Contact details

Southend Hospital

Phone number:
01702 435555 (Extension 7285–7287)
Email:
[email protected]

Contact details

Princess Alexandra Hospital

Phone number:
01279 827433
Email:
[email protected]

Contact details

Colchester Hospital

Phone number:
01206 742812
Phone number:
01206 744245
Email:
[email protected]

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Medical Examiner’s Office may contact you again if they need further information to complete their review.

This could be to:

  • Clarify details about the person’s medical history
  • Check information needed for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
  • Follow up on questions or concerns you raised
  • Confirm next steps

Being contacted again does not usually mean there is a problem. It is part of making sure the information is accurate and that any concerns are properly addressed.

You can ask questions at any time if you are unsure why you have been contacted.

No. It is your choice. You can decide whether or not to have a conversation.

Usually not. Medical examiners aim to avoid delays and support timely registration.

Yes. Medical examiners are independent of the clinical team that cared for your relative.

Yes. If you think of questions later, you can contact your local office.

Concerns are handled professionally and fairly. The focus is on learning and improving care.

No. You do not need to wait for the medical examiner’s review to begin making funeral arrangements.

You can contact a funeral director and start planning at any time.

However, the funeral cannot usually take place until the death has been registered. The medical examiner’s review helps make sure this can happen safely and legally.

If you have specific timing concerns, speak to the Medical Examiner’s Office or your funeral director.

Medical examiners aim to avoid unnecessary delays.

In most cases, their review is completed promptly so that registration and release can happen as soon as possible.

Delays are more likely if:

  • The death needs to be referred to the coroner
  • Further information is required
  • Legal checks are still ongoing

If there is a delay, the team will explain why and keep you informed.

In most cases, you will be invited to speak with the medical examiner before registration.

This helps ensure the cause of death is accurate and any concerns are addressed.

Registration usually takes place after this process is complete.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will try to support urgent requests wherever possible.

If quick burial or cremation is important for cultural or faith reasons, let the team know as soon as you can so they can take this into account.

No. Families do not usually receive a formal written report.

The medical examiner’s role is to review the cause of death and speak with you to explain it.

If concerns are referred for further review, you will be told what happens next.

You can ask for an interpreter or communication support.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will try to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you can understand and take part in discussions.

Yes. If you are unhappy, raise this first with the relevant Medical Examiner’s Office.

They will try to resolve concerns and explain further options if needed.

No. Medical examiners do not decide blame or responsibility.

Their role is to review information, ensure accuracy, and identify concerns that may need further investigation.

No. The purpose of the service is to support families and ensure accurate certification.

It does not determine insurance claims, legal responsibility, or compensation.

Yes. You can have a family member, friend, or adviser present if that helps you feel more comfortable.

If you disagree or feel unsure, tell the medical examiner. They will review the information and explain options, including referral to the coroner if appropriate.

Timescales vary, but most reviews are completed within a few days. The team will let you know if more time is needed.

Yes. Concerns raised through the medical examiner process are reviewed and can lead to improvements in care and safety.

Yes. You can still contact your local office if you have questions after registration.