All deaths to come in for scrutiny in shake-up

ALL deaths not investigated by a coroner will be reviewed by medical examiners from September, the Government announced yesterday.

The move, which has been criticised for its long delays, was recommended 20 years ago by Dame Janet Smith, who examined the activities of serial killer Dr Harold Shipman.

The Hyde GP murdered around 250 patients and then signed their death certificates.

In her subsequent reports, Dame Janet recommended medical examiners should independently scrutinise all deaths.

Yesterday, the Department of Health said more recent cases, such as that of baby murderer Lucy Letby, highlighted the need for extra scrutiny.

It said medical examiners would look at the cause of death in all cases that have not been referred to a coroner and will also consult families or representatives of those who have died.

This will give families an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns.

Health minister Maria Caulfield said: “Reforming death certification is highly complex and sensitive so it was important for us to make sure we got these changes right.

“At such a difficult time, it’s vital that bereaved families have full faith in how the death of their loved one is certified.”

Medical examiners are senior medical doctors who are contracted for a number of sessions every week to provide independent scrutiny of the causes of death.

Theyaretrainedinboththelegal and clinical elements of death certification.

Dr Suzy Lishman, senior adviser on medical examiners for the Royal College of Pathologists, said: “As the lead college for medical examiners, the Royal College of Pathologists welcomes the statutory implementation date for these important death certification reforms.”