Following the death of a relative you will be asked to contact the bereavement team who will explain what happens next. You may be advised that the death will be referred to a Medical Examiner.
Medical Examiners and their staff (usually called Medical Examiner Officers) offer families and carers of the person who has died an opportunity to raise questions or concerns about the causes of death, or about the care the person received before their death. This will usually be through a telephone call, or sometimes a meeting. They can explain what medical language means and make it easier to understand.
Medical Examiners also look at the relevant medical records, and discuss the causes of death with the doctor filling in the official form (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death). You can be confident Medical Examiners and their staff will provide an independent view, as they will only review cases where they, or their staff, have not provided care for the patient.
Once you have had your appointment with the Medical Examiner or Officer about the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) all documentation will be sent to our bereavement team who will ensure it is processed for the authorities requiring it. You will receive a further call from the bereavement team before it is submitted to the authorities and will be advised of the next steps.
You are required by law to register the death as soon as possible (normally within five working days of the death). The Bereavement Office will send the MCCD electronically to the Registrars. The Registrar’s Office may contact you to register the death or you may be asked to make an appointment to register the death. They will also tell you how to order copies of the death certificate.
There is more information on the Leeds City Council Registrars website.