What documents do I need? The medical certificate signed by a doctor is an essential document. Legislation allows doctors to scan the medical certificate directly to the registrar.
Any MCCDs received without being scrutinised (after full implementation in April 2024) by an ME cannot be registered until scrutiny is completed. If the Coroner is involved, they may send the paperwork directly to the register office. In this case, the Coroner will tell you when to register. The following documents are useful, but you can register without them: • the person’s passport • their birth certificate • any deed polls they had • their NHS medical card • their marriage or civil partnership certificate
If you are handed the signed copy of the medical certificate, please inform the register office and bring the original with you to your appointment. Medical Examiner Scheme From April 2024, all deaths must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner (ME) before a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) can be issued. Medical examiners are senior medical doctors who provide independent scrutiny of the causes of death. They are trained in the legal and clinical elements of death certification processes. The certifying Doctor will liaise with a Medical Examiner to establish the cause of death and to allow for independent scrutiny to take place. After scrutiny, the MCCD will be sent to the Register Office, and you can book your appointment.
Information you need to register
• the person’s full name at the time of death and any names previously used, eg maiden name • the person’s date and place of birth
• their last address • their occupation
• the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner • whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits
A Guide to Registering a Death 7
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