What is the medical examiners service?
Medical examiners are senior NHS doctors who have completed specialist training to carry out independent reviews of deaths.
They work alongside trained medical examiner officers.
Together, they:
- Review medical records
- Check the accuracy of the cause of death
- Speak with families and carers
- Support doctors completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Their role applies to most deaths that do not require investigation by a coroner.
The service is independent of the clinical teams involved in the person’s care.
What support do medical examiners provide?
Medical examiners and officers can help you to:
- Understand the cause of death
- Have medical terms explained in plain English
- Ask questions about care received
- Raise concerns about treatment
- Access further support if needed
Contact usually takes place by telephone, but meetings or alternative arrangements may be offered where appropriate.
What is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)?
The MCCD is the official document that records the medical cause of death.
Before it is completed:
- The medical examiner reviews the information
- The doctor discusses it with the examiner
- Any concerns are addressed
This helps ensure the information is accurate and appropriate.
When is the coroner involved?
Some deaths must be reported to a coroner, who may decide to carry out an independent investigation.
Examples include deaths that are:
- Sudden or unexplained
- Related to accidents or injury
- Linked to possible safety concerns
In these cases:
- The coroner leads the investigation
- The medical examiner may provide medical advice
- The Medical Examiner’s Office will support you
Further information is available in the Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 guidance.
Speaking with a medical examiner
You may be offered the opportunity to speak with a medical examiner or officer.
This is your chance to:
- Ask why the person died
- Clarify anything you do not understand
- Raise concerns about care
- Share feedback
If issues require further review, they will be referred to the appropriate NHS team.
Your feedback also helps improve future patient care.
Appointing an alternative contact
If you prefer not to speak directly, you can nominate another person to act on your behalf.
This could be:
- A family member
- A friend
- A legal representative
Let the care team know your preference. Contact is usually by phone, but adjustments can be made if needed.
Questions you may be asked
During your conversation, you may be asked:
- If you understand the cause of death
- Whether you have any concerns
- If anything about the care did not feel right
You can ask as many questions as you need.
If staff cannot answer immediately, they will follow up as soon as possible.
Choosing not to speak with a medical examiner
It is your choice whether to speak with the medical examiner.
If you decide not to:
- Your wishes will be respected
- You can contact the office later if you change your mind
Many families find these conversations helpful, but there is no obligation.
If you have concerns about care
Medical examiners listen carefully to concerns and can refer them for further review.
They do not carry out formal investigations themselves, as their role must be completed within legal timescales.
If further investigation is needed, they will explain what happens next.
Impact on funeral arrangements
Medical examiners work to avoid unnecessary delays.
They aim to:
- Support timely registration of death
- Minimise disruption to funeral plans
- Respect cultural and family wishes
Where possible, they will support early release of the body.
If you are unhappy with the process
If you are dissatisfied with the support provided:
- Raise your concerns with the Medical Examiner’s Office first
- Staff will try to resolve the issue promptly
- Further routes will be explained if needed
Contact your local medical examiner office
You can contact the office covering the hospital where your relative died.
Contact details
Basildon Hospital
- Phone number:
- 01268 394736
- Phone number:
- 01268 593158
- Email:
- [email protected]
Contact details
Broomfield Hospital
- Phone number:
- 01245 362000 (Extension 2015–2018)
- Email:
- [email protected]
Contact details
Southend Hospital
- Phone number:
- 01702 435555 (Extension 7285–7287)
- Email:
- [email protected]
Contact details
Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Phone number:
- 01279 827433
- Email:
- [email protected]
Contact details
Colchester Hospital
- Phone number:
- 01206 742812
- Phone number:
- 01206 744245
- Email:
- [email protected]