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Please note: the Registrars’ office is now located at George Meehan House High Road, Wood Green, N22 8YX.

Support to doctors when certifying a death

Information for doctors

Haringey Register Office can only register deaths that have occurred in Haringey (this does not include the North Middlesex Hospital and Whittington Hospital). Registrars can only register a death if a satisfactory Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) has been completed, or if the Coroner has issued the necessary paperwork. Please print your name and GMC number on any MCCD that you issue.

To help with completing an MCCD you may wish to refer to this guidance document - MCCD training example form (PDF, 143KB).

Some basic rules

A MCCD can only be used to register a death if:

  • The causes of death are acceptable
  • The doctor saw the deceased within the last 14 days of their illness, or
  • They were caring for the deceased and saw the body after death

If any of the three rules above are not met the doctor should refer the death to the Coroner. Referrals should be made by email to admin.beh@hmc-northlondon.co.uk

The Coroner is unable to offer advice on completing a MCCD, including what is appropriate to include on a MCCD, but has produced a document titled Issuing a Medical Cause of Death Certificate - A Quick Guide (PDF, 118KB), which explains the Greater London Northern Districts Coroners process. The Coroner has also produced:

Advice on certifying a death and completing a MCCD

The General Register Office (GRO) oversees all death registrations within England or Wales. GRO has produced guidance for doctors on GOV.UK (external link)

The British Medical Association also has information on the BMA website (external link).

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Referring a death to the Coroner

If a coroners referral is required, the Coroner will need:

  • A patient summary to the Coroners Service
  • A copy of the MCCD (if you are able to complete a MCCD)
  • A completed GP Referral Form 1 / Hospital Referral Form 1

If urgent action is required mark the email URGENT and explain why the matter is urgent.

Referrals should be made by email to admin.beh@hmc-northlondon.co.uk

Please advise the next of kin that they will need to wait for the Coroner to contact them (usually within 24 hours) before they can register the death.

Unable to access Form 1?

Access to the Form 1 is from the EMIS system. If you are having issues accessing a Form 1 please contact your Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

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Further support and feedback

If you require further support or would like to provide feedback please complete our Doctor Assistance e-form

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Page last updated:

24 May 2019

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