A new statutory Medical Examiner System is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide independent scrutiny of deaths, and to give bereaved people a voice.
From 9 September 2024, all deaths in any health setting and the community will be reviewed by NHS Medical Examiners.
The Isle of Wight Medical Examiners Service is hosted by Isle of Wight NHS Trust situated within the Bereavement Centre at St Mary's Hospital. It is staffed by medical examiners and supported by medical examiners officers.
Medical examiners are senior doctors who will provide independent scrutiny of the notes to establish a cause of death or if referral to the Coroner is required. They will discuss the cause of death with the relevant clinical teams who were responsible for the care of the deceased, and the deceased persons next of kin.
Process for Next of Kin following a death in St Mary’s:
Following the Medical Examiners Scrutiny, you, as the nominated next of kin will receive a telephone call from the Medical Examiner’s Office, from either the Medical Examiner (ME) of Medical Examiners Officer (MEO).
We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. It will not be necessary for you to phone the Medical Examiner Office. However, you can call the Bereavement Centre who can assist in answering any initial questions and can signpost you to other agencies if required.
On speaking with the Medical Examiner you will have the opportunity to discuss the cause of death offered, or reasons for referral to the coroner if required, ask any questions you may have regarding this, and raise any concerns with care before death.
Coming soon, a diagram to illustrate the overview of process.
We are located in the Bereavement Office which is situated in the north of St Mary's Hospital.
All visits are strictly by appointment and directions will be given on request.
We are open on Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.
The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.
