Medical examiner service
What is the Medical examiner system
New legislation laid out in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 has now been implemented across England and Wales, with the Medical examiner system being statutory from 9th September 2024 for all deaths not requiring HM Coroner investigation.
The main aim is to improve safety in the death certification process and to provide more support to the bereaved.
The Medical Examiner service in Exeter is hosted by The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and covers both the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and North Devon District Hospital.
The office has 13 part time Medical Examiners (senior doctors from differing specialities) and 5 Medical Examiners Officers.
Who is the Medical Examiner
The Medical Examiners (ME) are senior doctors from a range of differing specialities who will complete an independent review of all deaths that occur in the hospital and wider community not requiring investigation by the HM Coroner.
What will happen next
The Medical Examiner will complete their review of the medical records and liaise with the treating team to discuss the care and cause of death of the patient. This will enable the hospital doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Once the MCCD has been issued, the Medical Examiner Officer will contact you as the nominated next of kin to explain the cause of death and ensure that there is an understanding of the medical terms used, but to also offer the opportunity to ask any questions or seek clarity on any issues during the last illness of your loved one.
Following discussion with the Medical Examiner Office the MCCD will be sent electronically to the Registration Service along with the next of kin details. The registration office will contact you to arrange a face to face appointment within 5 days of receipt of the MCCD.
Occasionally, following the Medical Examiner review a referral to the HM Coroner may be required. This can be for a number of reasons including:
- The cause of death cannot be established
- The death arising from an unnatural cause
- The cause of death being related to any employment
- Having undergone an operation which was felt to have contributed or caused the death.
- Where significant concerns have been raised.
We will contact you to explain the reason for the referral and guide you through what will happen next.
Contact us
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Eastern (RD&E Exeter) and Northern (NDDH Barnstaple)
Medical Examiner Service
We can be contacted between 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) on 01392 408396
rduh.medicalexaminer@nhs.net / rduh.northernmedicalexaminer@nhs.net
Helpful information
Bereavement Services
NHS Royal Devon | Bereavement services
North Devon and District Hospital – Bereavement Support (rns.uk)
PALS – Patient Advise and Liaison Service – PALS