Bereavement

What to do after a death

We understand that this is a very difficult time, and managing formal arrangements can feel overwhelming. The information on this page explains what happens after a death, how the medical examiner office (MEO) is involved, and where you can find support.

After a death occurs, several legal and medical steps must take place before the death can be formally registered. Many of these steps now happen automatically behind the scenes, and you will be guided through the process. The family needs to register the death through the GOV.UK website.

You do not usually need to attend the surgery to collect paperwork.

The medical examiner

A medical examiner (ME) is a senior NHS doctor who was not involved in the person’s care. Their role is to independently review every death in England to ensure that the cause of death is accurate and appropriate, the death has been correctly and lawfully certified, and families have an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns.

This process is routine and applies to almost all deaths. The medical examiner office (MEO) supports the medical examiner and coordinates this process. The team works independently from GP surgeries and hospitals.

The MEO may contact the next of kin to help explain the process and answer questions.

Death certification process

The death is reported by the hospital, GP surgery, care home, or another healthcare professional.
The medical examiner reviews relevant medical records, considers the circumstances leading up to the death, and reviews the proposed cause of death.
A member of the medical examiner office may contact you to explain the cause of death in plain language, check whether you have any questions or concerns, and ask if anything about the death feels unexpected or unclear. This contact is not an investigation and does not suggest that something has gone wrong.
Once the medical examiner is satisfied, the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) is completed and the certificate is sent electronically to the register office. You do not need to collect the certificate from the surgery.
The register office will advise you on how to formally register the death and arrange an appointment if needed. Only once the death is registered can funeral arrangements proceed.

The medical examiner process usually runs alongside existing arrangements and should not delay registration or funeral planning. If additional information is needed, this will be explained clearly.

When is the coroner involved?

Some deaths must be referred to the coroner by law, for example if:

  • the cause of death is unclear
  • the death was sudden or unexpected
  • the death followed an accident or injury

If a referral is required, the coroner will decide the next steps. The medical examiner or MEO will explain why.

Can I raise concerns?

Yes, the medical examiner system exists to ensure families are heard. You can ask questions about the cause of death, request clarification in plain language, and raise concerns if something does not feel right.

Raising concerns will not delay funeral arrangements.

Do I need to contact the surgery?

Not usually. Once the medical examiner process has started, GP surgeries cannot issue death certificates directly and they may also be waiting for confirmation from the MEO.

If you are unsure who to contact, our team can help signpost you.

Support for bereavement

Bereavement can affect people in different ways, and support is available. If you need further help:

  • Your GP can advise on bereavement support services
  • The medical examiner office can answer questions about certification
  • Your local register office can guide you through registration

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about what to do next.

Key points to remember

  • The medical examiner system is routine and independent
  • It improves transparency, safety, and accuracy
  • Families are encouraged to ask questions
  • Most deaths are registered without delay

Page last reviewed: 29 April 2026