Medical Examiner Service

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust hosts a nationally mandated Medical Examiner Service for providing independent review of deaths that occur at the Trust and within the Berkshire West community. 
 
The Medical Examiner (ME) is a senior doctor, who is independent and therefore will not have been involved in the person’s care.

Their role is to review the medical records, speak to the treating doctor and together agree on the wording for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), or the reason for a Coroner referral (if required).  This process can usually take 1 – 3 working days. 

Within a few days of the death, you will be contacted by telephone by a Medical Examiner (ME) or a Medical Examiner Officer (MEO).

During the telephone conversation, the ME or MEO will explain the cause of death in clear terms, or the reason why a coroner referral is required. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the cause of death or about any aspect of the care received.

If you have questions or concerns about the care, the ME or MEO will be able to advise on how to raise those concerns. We are also happy to hear any positive feedback so we can share this with the appropriate teams.

Following the call, the ME will release the completed MCCD and any other legal documents to allow the death to be legally registered.