We would like to extend our sincere condolences to everyone who requires the services of our Bereavement Office.

We do understand that making arrangements when someone dies can be difficult and we are here to give you all the relevant information you need.

We have made the following booklet available with information you may need and contact details of organisations who can offer support and advice. This booklet is also available on the hospital wards.

SASH bereavement services leaflet

Changes to Death Certiļ¬cation from 9 September 2024

A Medical Examiner is a senior Medical practitioner who provides independent scrutiny of causes of death outside their usual clinical duties. All deaths which are not being investigated by a coroner must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner (ME).

The Medical Examiner system provides;

  • an independent scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths,
  • provides greater safeguards for the public.
  • gives the bereaved an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns with someone not involved in providing care to the deceased person prior to their death.
  • improves the quality of death certification and mortality data

All deaths will need to be registered within 5 days from when the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) has been sent to the Register office (sent electronically). We will let you know when the MCCD has been sent. You will NOT be able to register a death if you have not spoken to the Medical Examiner.

For deaths in hospital; please contact the Bereavement Office on 01737 231 718

For deaths in the community; the Next of Kin provided by the GP surgery/Hospice/Community hospital will receive a text message from the Medical Examiner Office informing them of the process and asking for confirmation of their name and relationship to the deceased.

For community deaths please contact the Medical Examiner Office on 01737 768 511 extension 7168. Please do not contact the hospital Bereavement office.