Public protection and support for bereaved families are at the
heart of a government overhaul of how deaths are certified.
From September, medical examiners will look at the cause of death
in all cases that haven't been referred to the coroner in a move
designed to help strengthen safeguards and prevent criminal
activity.
They will also consult with families or representatives of the
deceased, providing an opportunity for them to raise questions or
concerns with a senior doctor not involved in the care of the
person who died.
The changes demonstrate the government's commitment to
providing greater transparency after a death and will ensure the
right deaths are referred to coroners for further investigation.
Health Minister, said:
“Reforming death certification is a highly complex and sensitive
process, so it was important for us to make sure we got these
changes right.
“At such a difficult time, it's vital that bereaved families have
full faith in how the death of their loved one is certified and
have their voices heard if they are concerned in any way.
“The measures I'm introducing today will ensure all deaths are
reviewed and the bereaved are fully informed, making the system
safer by improving protections against rare abuses.”
Medical examiners are senior medical doctors that independently
scrutinise the causes of death. Since 2019, NHS trusts have
appointed medical examiners to scrutinise most deaths in acute
healthcare settings and some community settings on a
non-statutory basis.
From 9 September 2024 it will become a requirement that all
deaths in any health setting that are not referred to the coroner
in the first instance are subject to medical examiner
scrutiny.
Welcoming the announcement today, Dr Suzy Lishman CBE,
Senior Advisor on Medical Examiners for Royal College of
Pathologists, said:
“As the lead college for medical examiners, the Royal College of
Pathologists welcomes the announcement of the statutory
implementation date for these important death certification
reforms.
“Medical examiners are already scrutinising the majority of
deaths in England and Wales, identifying concerns, improving care
for patients and supporting bereaved people. The move to a
statutory system in September will further strengthen those
safeguards, ensuring that all deaths are reviewed and that the
voices of all bereaved people are heard.”
National Medical Examiner
Dr Alan Fletcher said:
"I am delighted that the statutory basis for independent medical
examiners is confirmed. This will ensure all bereaved people have
a voice, supporting patient safety learning and improvement,
including through accurate coroner referrals."
Eluned Morgan, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for
Health and Social Care, said:
“I am pleased to see death certification reforms are taking a
long-awaited step forward today.
“The legislative framework I have laid for Wales will pave the
way the way for greater public protection and an improved service
for the bereaved.
“Moving the current medical examiner service onto a statutory
basis will also introduce independent scrutiny of all deaths and
an increased opportunity for learning and improvement across the
health sector.”
Laying the regulations before parliament today and setting out a
timeline for the new system to be implemented means all those
involved in the death certification process have the chance to
prepare before it comes into force.
Work is already ongoing across government and the health service
to ensure that the appropriate operational processes are in place
to deliver the changes, which have the backing of all key
stakeholders.
There will be further communication regarding legislative changes
and operational guidance between now and September.
