We understand that this is a very difficult time, and managing formal arrangements can feel overwhelming. The information below explains what happens after a death, how the Medical Examiner Office (MEO) is involved, and where you can find support.
After a death occurs, several legal and medical steps must take place before the death can be formally registered. Many of these steps now happen automatically behind the scenes, and you will be guided through the process.
You do not usually need to attend the GP practice to collect paperwork.
A Medical Examiner (ME) is a senior NHS Doctor who was not involed in the person's care. Their role is to independently review every death in England to ensure that:
This process is routine and applies to almost all deaths.
The Medical Examiner Office supports the Medical Examiner and coordinates this process. The team works independantly from GP practices and hospiitals
The MEO may contact the next of kin to help explain the process and answer questions
1. Notification of the death
The death is reported by the hospital, GP practice, care home ort another healthcare professional.
The Medical Examiner: Reviews relevant medical records Considers the circumstances leading up to the death Review the proposed cause of death 3. Contact with the bereaved family A member of the Medical Examiner Office may contact you to: Explain the cause of death in plain language Check whether you have any questions or conderns Ask if anything about the death feels unexpected or unclear this contact is not an investigation and does not suggest that something has gone wrong. 4. Medical Certificare of Cause of Death (MCCD) Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied: The MCCD is completed The certificate is sent electronically to the Register Office You do not need to collect the certificate from the practice 5. Registering the death The Register Office will advise you on how to formally register the death and arrange an appointment if needed Only once the death is registered can funeral arrangements proceed. Will this cause delays? In Most Cases, no. The Medical Examiner process ususally runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral plabbing. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.
A member of the Medical Examiner Office may contact you to: Explain the cause of death in plain language Check whether you have any questions or conderns Ask if anything about the death feels unexpected or unclear this contact is not an investigation and does not suggest that something has gone wrong. 4. Medical Certificare of Cause of Death (MCCD) Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied: The MCCD is completed The certificate is sent electronically to the Register Office You do not need to collect the certificate from the practice 5. Registering the death The Register Office will advise you on how to formally register the death and arrange an appointment if needed Only once the death is registered can funeral arrangements proceed. Will this cause delays? In Most Cases, no. The Medical Examiner process ususally runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral plabbing. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.
this contact is not an investigation and does not suggest that something has gone wrong.
Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied: The MCCD is completed The certificate is sent electronically to the Register Office You do not need to collect the certificate from the practice 5. Registering the death The Register Office will advise you on how to formally register the death and arrange an appointment if needed Only once the death is registered can funeral arrangements proceed. Will this cause delays? In Most Cases, no. The Medical Examiner process ususally runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral plabbing. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.
You do not need to collect the certificate from the practice
The Register Office will advise you on how to formally register the death and arrange an appointment if needed
Only once the death is registered can funeral arrangements proceed.
Will this cause delays?
In Most Cases, no.
The Medical Examiner process ususally runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral plabbing. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.
Some Deaths must be referred to the Coroner by law, for example if:
If a referral is required, the Coroner will decide the next steps and the Medical Examiner or MEO will explain why.
Yes. The Medical Examiner system exists to ensure families are heard.
You can:
Raising concerns will not delay funeral arrangements.
Usually, no
Once the Medical Examiner process has started:
If you are unsure who to contact, our practice team can help signpost you.
Bereavement can affect people in different ways, and support is available.
If you need further help:
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure avout what to do next.
The Medical Examiner system is routine and independant
It improves transparency, safety and accuracy
Families are encouraged to ask questions
Most dealths are registered without delay
Last Updated 9 Jun 2026
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