The Impact of Medical Examiner Delays on Funeral Services

Since the implementation of the new Medical Examiner (ME) system on 9th September 2024, funeral directors, families and healthcare professionals have faced significant challenges due to delays in the certification and registration of deaths. While the system was designed to improve transparency, prevent errors and provide families with greater clarity, the reality has been a frustrating and, at times, distressing experience for those involved.

What is the Medical Examiner System and why was it introduced?

The Medical Examiner System ensures that, except for deaths referred to the coroner, all deaths are independently reviewed before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued. Its purpose is to improve scrutiny, support bereaved families with clearer explanations and identify concerns around patient care. Historically, oversight gaps—highlighted by cases like Harold Shipman—demonstrated the need for a more robust system. While the new approach aims to uphold high standards and prevent errors or misconduct in death certification, its roll-out has not been without challenges.

The Reality of Delays

Since September, many funeral directors across the country, including us at Tom Owen and Son, have experienced increased waiting times for MCCD approvals. Previously, doctors would issue certificates promptly, allowing families to register deaths and plan funerals without unnecessary delays. Now, the additional review process by the ME means that certificates are often taking several days, sometimes even over two weeks, to be released.

These delays have a knock-on effect on:

• Funeral Arrangements – Without an MCCD, families cannot register a death, which in turn means funeral plans, burial or cremation bookings, and other logistical arrangements are put on hold.
• Family Distress – Bereaved families already facing emotional distress now endure prolonged waiting times, adding stress at an already difficult time. If their relative died in hospital, this can also mean up to 3 weeks without being able to see them.
• Hospital and Mortuary Capacity – The increased time taken to release certificates means that hospitals and some funeral homes may be experiencing capacity issues, causing further complications.

Why Are There Delays?

Several factors contribute to these ongoing issues:

1. Staffing Issues – Many areas lack enough Medical Examiners and administrative support to process the number of deaths efficiently. Also, there is a timing delay if the Dr goes off shift for a few days and the ME cannot speak to them.
2. Additional steps for already busy healthcare teams – In North Wales in particular, hospital staff and some doctor’s surgeries are struggling to deal with the additional steps involved in a timely manner.
3. Inconsistent Processes – The system varies by region, with some ME offices handling cases more efficiently than others.
4. Lack of Public Awareness – Many families are unaware of the new process and struggle to understand why there are delays in obtaining documentation.

What Can Be Done?

We are working closely with the local hospitals, the ME office and key stakeholders, including our local MP and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), to address these issues. We urge:

• Increased Funding & Staffing – More resources need to be allocated to ME offices to prevent bottlenecks.
• Streamlined Processes – A more consistent, transparent approach across regions would help reduce disparities in waiting times.
• Better Communication – Families need clearer guidance on what to expect and who to contact for updates.

Supporting Families Through the Changes

At Tom Owen and Son, we remain committed to guiding families through these difficult transitions. While the Medical Examiner system has the potential to improve standards, urgent improvements are needed to ensure that it does not add unnecessary distress to grieving families. We will continue advocating for better efficiency and communication in the weeks and months ahead.

For further support or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.