GPs want to have say in revamp of examiners
Independent Doctors Federation AGM.
The IDF’s GP committee has been engaging with the Department of Health to ensure independent GPs have a smooth pathway and process under the new mandatory medical examiner system.
This was due to be rolled out in England and Wales in April, as we went to press, to provide independent scrutiny of deaths and to give the bereaved a voice.
Dr Shaima Villait
Committee chair Dr Shaima Villait explained there were two key elements of the new process.
Firstly, all deaths that are not to be referred to a coroner will require formal review by the medical examiner before the medical certificate of death can be completed.
Secondly, the medical examiner will want to speak to relatives about any concerns they may had about the care provided to their loved one, and will be able to explain the cause of death as stated on the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD).
Dr Villait said the Medical Examiner Office would have access to an interpreter service as well as Language Line for families needing an interpreter.
But, unfortunately, the lack of data available on the number of GPs working in the independent sector was a limiting factor.
Her committee is talking with local authorities and the Care Quality Commission to help gather accurate information.