Coroner referrals:

 There are 11 likely categories that place a legal duty on doctors to refer a case to the coroner:

1. The death occurred whilst the deceased was in custody or in state detention, whatever the cause of death. 
2. The death may have occurred as a result of deliberate or accidental poisoning, whether by the deceased or another. 
3. The death may have occurred as a result of the use of a controlled drug. 
4. The death may have occurred as a result of the use of a medicinal product. 
5. The death may have occurred as a result of trauma, violence or physical injury. 
6. The death may be related to any treatment or procedure of a medical or similar nature. 
7. The death may be the result of intentional self-harm. 
8. The death may have occurred as the result of an injury received in the course of an employment. 
9. The death may have occurred as a result of neglect or a failure of care.
10.  The cause of death is unknown.
11.  There is no attending practitioner/there is no attending practitioner within a reasonable timeframe.

To carry out a proportionate review of each death not being investigated by the coroner, the Medical Examiner service:

1. Reviews the medical records (hospital/community) and any other information which might be pertinent to the patient’s death and care prior to this.
2. Discusses and agrees the cause of death with the certifying doctor. *This must be a Dr who has attended the patient in life.
3. Has a conversation (usually via telephone) with a next of kin of the deceased/nominated other. This will usually include:
   • An explanation of the circumstances leading up to death and the proposed cause of death to be written on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
   • An opportunity for the bereaved family to ask questions and offer feedback/raise concerns about the care of the patient.
   • Provision of advice about how to take forward any issues/concerns that are not resolved during this conversation.

Please note that the medical examiner will always try to make contact with a relevant person, however, if they are unable to speak to them in a timely manner, the ME may proceed without this call to reduce delays in getting the death certificate to the Registrar.

Medical Examiners (ME’s)

Medical Examiners are senior Doctors, who are trained in the legal and clinical elements of the death certification processes.  They scrutinise deaths by reviewing the deceased’s medical care records and liaising with a Doctor who has cared for the patient.  The ME will speak with bereaved families whenever possible, to gain their views on the care prior to death and any relevant information they wish to share regarding the events leading up to this.

Our team of Medical Examiners at Airedale include experienced Consultant’s, Specialist Dr’s and GP’s from diverse clinical backgrounds including Elderly Medicine, Radiology, Emergency Medicine and Paediatrics.

Medical Examiner Officers (MEO’s) 

The Medical Examiners are supported by Medical Examiner Officers who manage the administration of cases from initial notification through to completion and communication with the Registrar.  They carry out a preliminary review of the medical records and may also call the bereaved family to gain/clarify background information and identify any initial issues/concerns to prepare the case file in readiness for the Medical Examiner review.

The ME service is aware of the different needs and preferences individuals may have following a death and has worked closely with appropriate teams (including faith leaders) to facilitate an effective and timely service for all bereaved families.

We therefore operate a limited out of hours service during weekends/bank holidays. This service is only for urgent, non-coronial cases that relate to faith or organ/tissue donation requests (see contact details below for further information).

We work closely with the bereavement team and therefore our ME office is situated within the Bereavement suite at Airedale General Hospital, Skipton Road, Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 6TD (Location B2).

Our standard office hours are Monday-Friday (9:00am-4:00pm).

Tel: 01535 294810 / 294818 (general enquiries)

Email: anhsft.meoffice@nhs.net (general enquiries)

 Outside of these hours (weekends and bank holidays) we operate an extended hours service for urgent cases only. Please note there is no office staff cover, an ME remotely checks a specific out of hours mailbox for referrals and liaison with practitioners during the following times:

Saturday 09:00-10:00

Sunday/Bank Holiday 08:00-09:00

Referrals are then actioned as required.

If you disagree with the Medical Examiner’s conclusion regarding the care of the deceased or the proposed cause of death, you are encouraged to inform the Medical Examiner’s office or PALS directly (see below for contact details).

The Medical Examiner involved, the lead Medical Examiner, or one of the Medical Examiner Officers will listen to your concerns and agree a way forwards.

If you have a compliment or complaint about the service, please contact PALS to discuss this.

Link to PALS information is via this link: https://www.airedale-trust.nhs.uk/patient-advice-and-help-centre/need-help-or-advice-from-our-patient-experience-team/

Please see link below to the Trust’s Bereavement service page which details their role and other useful information including a bereavement booklet produced by the Trust which is given to families of patients who die within Airedale hospital and the Craven community.

You can visit our bereavement page on the website here: https://www.airedale-trust.nhs.uk/your-visit/bereavement-service/