Since 9 September 2024, every death in England and Wales that isn't reported to a coroner is checked by a medical examiner before it can be registered. This page explains what they do, and what it means for you.
What a medical examiner is
A medical examiner is a senior doctor who wasn't involved in the person's care. They're supported by medical examiner officers. Their job is to make sure the cause of death is recorded accurately, and to spot any concerns about the care the person received before they died.
What happens, step by step
A doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death
This is usually a doctor who treated the person.
The medical examiner reviews it
They look at the medical records and work with the doctor to make sure the certificate is accurate.
The medical examiner's office talks to you
Usually the next of kin (see below).
The certificate goes to the registrar
The medical examiner sends it to the register office directly. You don't have to collect it.
You register the death
The register office will contact you, or you can book an appointment. See how to register a death.
If the medical examiner or the doctor thinks the death needs investigating, it's referred to the coroner instead. See coroners, post-mortems and inquests.
Why the medical examiner's office will contact you
Someone from the medical examiner's office will usually phone the next of kin. They'll explain the cause of death and give you a chance to:
- ask questions about the cause of death
- raise any concerns about the care the person received
You're talking to someone who wasn't involved in the person's care. If you have concerns, this is a good time to raise them. There's more about making a complaint on our NHS complaints page.
How it affects registering the death
- The death can't be registered until the registrar has received the cause of death from the medical examiner, or from the coroner.
The 5 days you have to register the death start when the registrar receives it,
Not on the day of the death.
- This can take a few days, so it's fine to contact a funeral director and start planning while you wait.
For cremations, the medical examiner's check replaced one of the old cremation medical forms (form Cremation 4). The family's form, the cremation application, is unchanged.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
The medical examiner system described here applies in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own processes: the doctor completes the medical certificate, and you register the death as usual.
Scotland
Register within 8 days. See when someone dies in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
Register within 5 days.
Sources, checked 11 September 2026
- GOV.UK, An overview of the death certification reforms: gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-death-certification-process
- GOV.UK, Death certification reform and the introduction of medical examiners (collection)
- Welsh Government, Written statement: coming into force of the death certification and medical examiner reforms (9 September 2024)
- NHS England, National Medical Examiner's guidance for England and Wales
Common questions
Do I have to talk to the medical examiner?
You don't have to, but it's worth it. It's your chance to understand the cause of death and ask questions.
Does a medical examiner mean something is wrong?
No. Since September 2024, every death in England and Wales that isn't reported to a coroner goes through this check.
Do I collect the medical certificate?
No. The medical examiner sends it to the registrar.
When do the 5 days to register start?
When the registrar receives the cause of death from the medical examiner or the coroner.
Can I raise concerns about someone's care?
Yes. The medical examiner's office will listen, and it's part of their role to highlight concerns about the care the person received.