Medical Examiner Service

What is the Medical Examiner Service?

Medical Examiners independently review the cause and death and the care provided to anyone who has died (with the exception of those referred to the local Coroner’s Office).

The Medical Examiner service is currently not a statutory requirement but the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System has commenced work towards implementing the statutory Medical Examiner system from April 2024.

The service operates across England and Wales.

The Medical Examiner Service:

• Provides an independent review of all deaths that are not referred to the Coroner’s Office.
• Gives bereaved carers and families a voice so they have the opportunity to raise concerns with a doctor who was not involved in the care of their loved one.
• Improves the quality of death certification.

Medical Examiners:

• Are experienced doctors who come from a variety of backgrounds, for example they may be a general practitioner or hospital consultant.
• Usually work on a part-time basis alongside another role.
• Act independently of anyone who has been involved in the care of the person who has died.
• Will have completed specific training so they are fully aware of the legal and clinical requirements of this role.

More information:

If you would like more information about the Medical Examiner service in relation to a relative who has died, please ask hospital staff and they will be happy to discuss this with you further.

You can find out more information about the national medical examiner system, including guidelines, reports and contacts on the NHS England website page.