Funerals

New ME / MCCD System Flowchart

Effective from: 9th September 2024, 12:01am onwards

Step 1 – Death Occurs

Clarity in documentation: Is the cause of death expected and clearly documented in medical records?

Decision Point

➜ Expected Death (Best of knowledge & belief)

➜ Unexpected / Reportable Death

(Notification of Death Regulations 2019)

PATHWAY A — EXPECTED DEATH

1. Internal Practice Actions

  • Identify 2 staff members to manage death process in-house

  • Prepare last 6 months summary records

2. Doctor Actions

Doctor completes:

  • Summary of Death Referral Form

  • MCCD (both sides)

3. Send to ME Office (3 documents)

  • ME Referral Form

  • MCCD (both sides)

  • 6-month summary records

Email: medical.examiner2@nca.nhs.uk
Office: Fairfield ME Office

ME Review

If ME agrees:

➡ ME counter-signs MCCD
➡ Sends to Registrar Office
➡ ME Office notifies GP & next of kin

If ME has concerns:

a) ME + Doctor discuss and revise cause of death

➡ Doctor issues new MCCD
➡ Scanned and sent to ME Office
➡ ME counter-signs
➡ Sent to Registrar
➡ GP & next of kin notified

b) ME + Doctor disagree on cause of death

➡ Doctor refers case to Coroner’s Office

PATHWAY B — UNEXPECTED / REPORTABLE DEATH

Immediate Route:

➡ Coroner’s Referral
➡ Inquest / Post-Mortem (PM)

If not under Coroner jurisdiction → return to ME pathway

MEDICAL EXAMINER (ME) OFFICE INFO

Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8am–4pm
Sat/Sun/Bank Holidays: 9:30am–11:30am
Closed: Easter Sunday & Christmas Day

Tel: 0161 778 2122

Urgent Release Deaths

  • Highlight on referral form

  • Email documents

Weekend & Bank Holiday Referrals

  • Email documents

  • Call: 0161 624 0420

  • Ask for: “On Call ME”

CORONER’S OFFICE — ROCHDALE

Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 08:30–12:30
13:30–16:30

Tel: 01706 924815

CHECKLIST

  1. Completed ME referral form

  2. MCCD

  3. 6-month summary records

  4. Best contact number for GP + time

  5. Next of kin details (incl. phone number)

⏱ ME Office aims to process referrals within 48 hours

Final Review Requirement

Last patient review must be:
➡ Face-to-face (F2F) or Video
❌ Not telephone or online

Practice Roles

GP Lead: ____________
Receptionist 1: ____________
Receptionist 2: ____________