Deaths to be reviewed by medical examiners from September, Government announce

All deaths not investigated by a coroner will need to be reviewed by medical examiners from September, the Government has announced.

The move, which has been criticised for long delays, was first recommended 20 years ago by Dame Janet Smith, who examined the activities of serial killer Dr Harold Shipman.

The GP murdered around 250 patients and then signed their death certificates.

In her subsequent reports, Dame Janet recommended that medical examiners should independently scrutinise all deaths.

On Monday, the Department of Health said more recent cases, such as that of baby murderer Lucy Letby, have highlighted the need for an extra layer of scrutiny.

It said medical examiners will – from September 9 – look at the cause of death in all cases that have not been referred to a coroner and will also consult families or representatives of those who have died.

This will give families an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns.

Medical examiners will also work to ensure the appropriate direction of deaths to coroners and improve the quality of death certification.

Laying the regulations before Parliament, health minister Maria Caulfield (pictured) 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 who are contracted for a number of sessions every week to provide independent scrutiny of the causes of death.

They are trained in both the legal and clinical elements of death certification.

Dr Suzy Lishman, senior adviser on medical examiners for the 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.”

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 for greater public protection and an improved service for the bereaved.

“Moving the current medical examiner service on to a statutory basis will also introduce independent scrutiny of all deaths and an increased opportunity for learning and improvement across the health sector.”

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