Do you know how to complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?

August 9, 2023

When a patient dies in hospital, the consultant in charge of their care is responsible for ensuring that a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is completed and sent to the relevant Register Office. All MCCDs should be discussed between a certifying doctor and Medical Examiner (ME) prior to completion with the exception of coroners referrals. This is to ensure accuracy of the MCCD before it is sent to the Registrar.

For more information on proposing a cause of death on Unity or the coroners referral process once a patient has died or as soon as it becomes clear the patient is likely to die, please see Medical Certificate of Cause of Death information sheet.