Registering a death & Completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
There is a legal requirement to register a death within five days of the Registrar receiving the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) following review by the Medical Examiner, unless the Coroner is involved.
Following a death, the GP or other appropriate medical practitioner will complete the MCCD. This may not always happen immediately, as GPs may have existing clinical commitments, annual leave or part-time working arrangements. In some circumstances, further information may be required before the certificate can be completed.
We understand that this is a difficult time for families and will complete the necessary documentation as quickly as possible. Occasionally, delays can occur in the certification process. If this happens, the Registrar’s Service is aware that delays can occur and can provide advice regarding registration appointments.
We recommend contacting the Registrar once you have been informed that the MCCD has been completed and sent for processing. Our practice team will keep you updated and contact you when the certification process has been completed.
Appointments can be booked with the Registrar at County Hall by telephone on 01609 780780 or online via the North Yorkshire Council website: Register a death | North Yorkshire Council
What if I need to arrange a cremation?
If your loved one is to be cremated, there are extra forms for the GP to complete and it is helpful for us to know this as soon as possible. Part of the Cremation Form requires us to discuss the medical treatment and cause of death with an independent doctor (usually a GP from a different medical practice) who will then go on to make their own enquiries about the death. The independent GP may wish to speak to you about the care your loved one received leading up to their death. This is nothing to worry about and is part of their routine enquiries.
It is rare for us to need to report a death to the Coroner. We would certainly let you know if this was to happen and explain the process to you.