Medical Examiner Service

The independent Medical Examiner Service is here to make sure that all deaths are reviewed carefully, respectfully, and fairly.

Medical Examiners are independent senior doctors who look at the care a patient received before they died. They do not work within the clinical team that treated the patient. They are supported by Medical Examiner Officers, who help gather information and support families.

Our role is to provide reassurance that the cause of death is accurate and to help identify any learning that could improve patient care in the future.

 

What We Do

When someone dies, the Medical Examiner Service will:

• Review the patient's medical records.
• Discuss the cause of death with the doctor who cared for the patient.
• Check that the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is correct.
• Speak with the patient's family or next of kin if they wish.
• Listen to any questions or concerns raised by families.
• Identify opportunities to improve patient care and safety and escalate some cases for clinical governance.
• Liaise with HM Coroner’s office

 

Supporting Families

We understand that losing someone is a very difficult time.

A member of the Medical Examiner team may contact the patient's next of kin to:

• Explain the cause of death in clear language.
• Answer questions about the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
• Listen to any concerns about the care the patient received.
• Explain what happens next.

Families do not have to speak with the Medical Examiner Service, but many find it helpful to have the opportunity to ask questions.

 

Improving Patient Care

The Medical Examiner Service helps the Trust learn from the deaths we review.

We look for themes and trends that may help improve care in the future. For example, we may identify:

• Delays in treatment or investigations.
• Problems with communication.
• Issues with clinical guidelines or procedures.
• Areas where staff may need additional support or training.

When we identify concerns, we share them with the appropriate teams so that improvements can be made.

 

Your Questions and Concerns

If you have questions or concerns about the care your relative received, please tell us. We will listen carefully and ensure your concerns are considered during our review.

The Medical Examiner Service is not part of the complaints process, but we can explain how to access other support services if needed.

 

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Treating families with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Providing clear and honest information.
• Supporting openness and learning.
• Helping improve the quality and safety of patient care.

 

Contact Us

Medical Examiner Service

Telephone: 0151 604 7091
Email: wuth.wirralmeoffice@nhs.net

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am- 4:30pm

If you leave a message outside office hours, we will respond as soon as possible.