What happens after you refer a death
Unless it’s clear that the cause of death is unnatural, if you’ve referred the death a member of the Coroner’s team will contact you to ask for:
- details of the deceased’s relevant medical history
- your opinion on the likely medical cause of death.
Sometimes a member of the Coroner’s team will contact you even if you didn’t refer the death. This will be because they believe you may be able to complete the MCCD (medical certificate of cause of death) or give them helpful background information.
The Coroner may give you permission to issue the MCCD for an agreed cause of death if:
- you’re able to provide an opinion on the likely medical cause of the death
- you can legally complete the MCCD
- neither a post mortem nor inquest is required.
If this is the case, they will also send a Form 100A to the Registrar, to let them know that they have given you permission to complete the MCCD.
If an investigation or inquest is needed, you may be asked to provide a witness statement. You may also be summoned to give evidence at an inquest.
