Role of the Medical Examiner

Following recent updates to the death certification process, a medical examiner is required to review each death.

A medical examiner is an experienced, independent doctor who has not been involved in the patient’s care. Their role is to review each death where a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is being issued, whether the death occurred in hospital or within the community.

The Medical Examiner Service examines all deaths in Wales that are not immediately referred to the coroner. Its purpose is to promote public safety, ensure the accuracy of death certification, and reduce distress for bereaved families wherever possible.

As part of the review process, the medical examiner will assess the medical records and consider whether there were any concerns related to the care the person received.

You will usually be contacted within a few days of your relatives death by a member of the Medical Examiner Officer team. They will explain the cause of death, answer any questions you may have, and listen to your views about the care provided. If any concerns are raised, these may be shared with the relevant healthcare provider or, if necessary, referred to the coroner for further review. This is a routine part of the process and should not cause concern, if necessary you may also be contacted by the coroner’s officers.

Once the review has been completed and the doctor has finalised the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, the medical examiner will countersign it. The certificate is then sent electronically to the registrar, allowing you to proceed with registering the death.