Burial Delays of Your Loved One & Changes to Death Certification

[@JasonShannon-u9t]

Just to add some balance, what this is really saying is that doing something better may take longer especially as it actively involves the bereaved who might otherwise be shut out of the process. However, there were delays in doctors certifying the death before September partly because of the restrictions to the legal status of the attending practitioner which have been relaxed in the September 9th changes widening the pool of doctors who can certify. It is correct that 7 day working and prioritisation are key for medical examiner services. Are doctors available to prepare the MCCD on a 7 day basis? Most medical activity at weekends and bank holidays is emergency only. Are registration services open 7 days a week? How many deaths were previously delayed at registration due to mistakes and inaccuracies which will now be prevented? My prediction is that medical examiner office data will more clearly demonstrate the existing sticking points, mainly of doctor availability to complete statutory paperwork. Whilst the new MCCD is more detailed, the film doesn’t mention the welcome end of 23 question cremation form 4 which doctors also had to complete and for which the family were charged a fee. Whilst not relevant to burials it was always wrong to have a different level of oversight based on the decision of how to deal with the body. It is important to be balanced in consideration of the aims of these changes, particularly where bereaved families are concerned. The previous system had many flaws which will be rectified.

[@communitylegaleducation8438]

Thank you for commenting. There are two aims - to establish an accurate cause of death - to ensure that the funeral takes places as soon as possible as per the wishes of the deceased The first aim is based on the multiple concerns raised from various inquiries where the cause of death was not accurate and investigation were missed. Now bereaved families and friends must be given an opportunity to raise concerns with the Medical Examiner. The second aim is centred on achieving the wishes of the deceased to be buried as soon as possible. Some anecdotal evidence from Funeral Directors provide some information about how MCCD were not finalised before they closed for the day, causing a delay. Not surprisingly there remains some very important issues or reasons which might lead to delay which are outlined in the post. Let’s see if the system works to achieve these two aims. One suggestion is for an out of hours ME office and everyone involved during weekdays weekends and bank holidays to alleviate any concerns about delays. This may require changes in the law, changes in NHS contracts and more funding, if local voluntary arrangements can not be put in place to reduce any unnecessary delays. Once again thank you for commenting

[@JamieW-o7b]

It can take up to a month from death to funeral, what could possibly go wrong that the local authority hasn't already ruined?

[@communitylegaleducation8438]

The additional layer of scrutiny might make cause some funerals to be delayed. And this might be for reasons like relevant medical notes not being shared with the Medical Examiner or other reasons given in the post. I think there should be out of hours services for everyone involved including GPs Coroners, Registrars and Medical Examiners now..

[@JamieW-o7b]

@@communitylegaleducation8438 Agreed!

[@JasonShannon-u9t]

@@communitylegaleducation8438what about changes that alleviate delays such as reducing failed registrations and ending form 52, widening the pool of certifying doctors and ending cremation forms?

[@TOTV13]

I remember when I calculated it was usually between 7-10 days from death until funeral, it's usually about a month now, I can't see this speeding it up. I have no idea why we take so long, for me it's just extending the pain, the funeral is the final act after which we have to get used the loss and get an with our lives, certain religions demand quick funerals even in the UK, it just seems unnecessary cruelty to drag that waiting period out so long.

[@communitylegaleducation8438]

There is a responsibility on everyone to ensure the wishes of our loved ones are met once they pass away. That means doing everything we can including an out of hours service for all those involved in the funeral process.

[@JasonShannon-u9t]

@@communitylegaleducation8438 Their wishes often include asking questions about the death and the care provided leading up to it. The independence of the medical examiner is key in that regard.