The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it is the Government’s intention to work towards implementing the statutory medical examiner system from April 2023. The Government issued a statement to this effect on 9th June 2022, which can be read here. The Ministry of Justice has also confirmed that it will keep the current medical referee role for a transitionary period following the implementation of the statutory medical examiner system, in order to ensure continuity and provide the opportunity for any necessary consequential changes to be identified. They will provide further clarity on when the transitionary period will begin and its duration as soon as possible. They have advised that there will be no sudden cliff edge and that they will continue to work with the sector on the implementation of the reforms to the death certification process.