Update from the Ministry of Justice
Statutory Medical Examiner System
Thank you for your continued work to implement the Death Certification Reforms on 9 September 2024. Since then, the causes of over 300,000 deaths have been certified and over 250,000 bereaved families have had the opportunity to speak with a medical examiner or officer—allowing them to raise questions or concerns with a senior doctor not involved in the care of their loved one. We are extremely grateful for your ongoing support in helping to embed these vital reforms that place the bereaved at the centre of the process and help better protect the public.
Thank you also to all those who have taken the time to share their experience of the new system with us. We are continuing to work across Government to find solutions to any issues arising and to ensure the death certification process is as smooth as it can be.
Medical referees
In February 2025, we informed you that we were reviewing responses to our October 2024 survey of crematorium managers and medical referees (MRs) and we reaffirmed our commitment to consult on any potential changes to the role of the MR. We also confirmed that any changes to the role of the MR would be subject to the laying of legislation.
Since then, we have continued to develop our policy thinking in this area and we have conducted further engagement with stakeholders in light of some of the concerns that they have raised, particularly around hazardous implantable medical devices. This work is on-going. As a result, we are not in a position to put forward potential changes to the role of the MR at the current time.
Once outstanding issues are worked through and resolved, we will let you know. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the sector to ensure a suitable lead-in time to support any change required to the role of the MR. We will provide stakeholders with at least six months’ notice before any changes are implemented in this regard.