Medical Examiner's Office - scrutiny service for deaths within Calderdale and Kirklees

The ME service is part of new legislation in England and Wales to improve the death certification process which follows several high-profile investigations into patient deaths (including the Shipman, Mid-Staffordshire and Morecambe Bay public inquiries). The team review medical records and give bereaved people the chance to ask questions about the care their loved one received prior to their death. Please see our sections below for more information.

The ME service reviews all deaths that do not require a coroner’s investigation across Greater Huddersfield and Calderdale

It is the same service whether the person died in hospital, at home, or in a care home or hospice.

Although based within Calderdale Royal Hospital, the ME service provides an independent, proportionate medical review of the care given to the deceased prior to their death and whenever possible, speaks with the bereaved to discuss their thoughts, comments or any concerns.

The role of the Medical Examiner Office is to examine deaths to:

• agree the proposed cause of death and the overall accuracy of the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) with the doctor completing it
• discuss the cause of death with bereaved families and establish if they have questions or any concerns with care before death
• act as a medical advice resource for the local coroner
• identify cases for further review under local mortality arrangements and contribute to other clinical governance processes.