In Times of Bereavement

In times of Bereavement

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.

What to do after a death 

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.

The Medical Examiner & Death Certification Process

What is a Medical Examiner?

A Medical Examiner (ME) is a senior NHS doctor who was not involved in the person’s care. Their role is to independently review every death in England to ensure that:

  • The cause of death is accurate and appropriate
  • The death has been correctly and lawfully certified
  • Families have an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns

This process is routine and applies to almost all deaths.

What is the Medical Examiner Office (MEO)?

The Medical Examiner Office (MEO) supports the Medical Examiner and coordinates this process. The team works independently from GP practices and hospitals.

The MEO may contact the next of kin to help explain the process and answer questions.

What happens after a death?

1. Notification of the death

The death is reported by the hospital, GP practice, care home, or another healthcare professional.

2. Review by the Medical Examiner

The Medical Examiner:

  • Reviews relevant medical records
  • Considers the circumstances leading up to the death
  • Reviews 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 concerns
  • 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 Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied:

  • The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is completed
  • The certificate is sent electronically to the Register Office

You do not need to collect the certificate from the GP 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 usually runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral planning. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.

When is the coroner involved?

Some deaths must be referred to the Coroner by law, for example if:

  • The cause of death is unclear
  • The death was sudden or unexpected
  • The death followed an accident or injury

If a referral is required:

The Coroner will decide the next steps & The Medical Examiner or MEO will explain why.

Can i raise concerns?

Yes. The Medical Examiner system exists to ensure families are heard.

You can:

  • Ask questions about the cause of death
  • Request clarification in plain language
  • Raise concerns if something does not feel right

Raising concerns will not delay funeral arrangements.

Do i need to contact the GP practice?

Usually, no.

Once the Medical Examiner process has started:

  • GP practices cannot issue death certificates directly
  • They may also be waiting for confirmation from the MEO

If you are unsure who to contact, our practice team can help signpost you.

Support for bereavement 

Bereavement can affect people in different ways, and support is available.

If you need further help:

  • Your GP can advise on bereavement support services
  • The Medical Examiner Office can answer questions about certification
  • Your local Register Office can guide you through registration

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about what to do next.

Key points to remember

The Medical Examiner system is routine and independent

It improves transparency, safety, and accuracy

Families are encouraged to ask questions

Most deaths are registered without delay.

Arranging the funeral

The funeral can usually only take place after the death is registered. Most people use a funeral director, though you can arrange a funeral yourself.

Funeral directors

Some local councils run their own funeral services, for example for non-religious burials. The British Humanist Association can also help with non-religious funerals.

Contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council to arrange a funeral yourself.

Funeral costs

Funeral costs can include:

  • funeral director fees
  • things the funeral director pays for on your behalf (called ‘disbursements’ or ‘third-party costs’), for example, crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death
  • local authority burial or cremation fees

Funeral directors may list all these costs in their quotes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2026
Page created: 13 April 2026