Certification
CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19
Please be aware that the processes for arranging funerals have changed significantly so please contact our on call officer for guidance.
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When a person dies in England & Wales, there are legal requirements surrounding the documentation.
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What s a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)?
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A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a document issued by a doctor after someone has died. It details the cause of death and is required by the Registrar of Births and Deaths to register the death.
The MCCD should not be confused with a "confirmation of death" certificate which is normally issued by an emergency doctor who may have been called out in the event that someone has died at home.
The MCCD includes the following information regarding the deceased:
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Deceased name
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Deceased age
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Their place of death
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Their cause of death
If the cause of death is clear, the MCCD will be issued straight away. However, if the cause of death isn't clear, the certificate will only be issued once further investigation has been carried out. This investigation will carried out by the Coroner.
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Who issues the MCCD?
If the death is not referred to the Coroner the MCCD will be issued by a deceased GP (if death occurred at home) or by the hospital doctor if death occurred in the hospital.
You will usually be shown or told what is stated as the cause of death. If you don’t understand the medical terminology please don’t hesitate in asking the doctor to clarify.
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If you need any further advice on where or who to see to obtain the MCCD please contact our funeral officer who will talk you through the process.
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Please note that the MCCD will always be in a special sealed envelope addressed to the Registrar. Please ensure that the sealed envelope when it is given to you by the doctor remains sealed when it is delivered to the Registrar.
What is a Formal Notice?
The “Formal Notice” is also given by the doctor and states that the doctor has signed the MCCD and also tells you how to get the death registered.
Notification by the Coroner
If the death is referred to the Coroner but no inquest is to follow then a pink form P100 B (states the cause of death) will be sent directly to the Registrar by the Coroner in order to register the death.
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If the death is referred to the Coroner for an inquest and following the inquest the body is to be buried an “Order for Burial” form P101 will be given by the Coroner for burial to take place.
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The Coroner will also send a “Certificate After Inquest” form 99 (rev), stating the cause of death, directly to the Registrar allowing the death to be registered.
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Non Viable Foetus and Stillbirth
Non-Viable Foetus (NVF) is a child born prior to the 24th week of pregnancy.
A Stillborn is a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy.
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For a foetus 24 weeks or less a three-part form will be issued by the hospital. This will be required for a burial to be arranged. No registration will be necessary.
For a stillborn or foetus over 24 weeks a “Certificate of Still Birth” which will be issued by the attending Doctor or Midwife. Registration will be necessary.
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Helpful guidance on certification
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https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/gp-practices/service-provision/confirmation-and-certification-of-death
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