Following the implementation of new procedures for obtaining death certificates in Wales, a family has been forced to wait weeks for two relatives’ funerals to be arranged. Under the conditions, doctors complete medical certificates of cause of death (MCCD), which are then reviewed by independent medical examiners before death certificates can be released. The measures were implemented, in part, in response to the Harold Shipman murders, and apply to all deaths not reviewed by a coroner. Natasha Asghar, member of the Senedd for South Wales, East, joined the family in calling for a review into the system.
The new rules, which were introduced in early September 2024, mean that general practitioners can no longer issue death certificates independently. The situation has led to delays in the issuance of certificates, with families left uncertain about when they can arrange funerals. Rachel Bradburne of the National Association of Funeral Directors confirmed that the process was now taking “up to three times as long” as it had before the rules changed. Bradburne added that the current waiting time for contact with a medical examiner after a death had increased to two to three weeks on average, compared to a previous period of one week.
The family facing problems with delayed certificates suffered two bereavements within a few months. Paul Crook, whose father-in-law died on 26 November, received the death certificate on 13 December. The funeral took place on 27 December, 31 days after Mr Roberts’ death. Mr Roberts’ wife June died on 2 January and her death certificate was issued on 13 January. Her funeral will not take place until 3 February, 32 days after her death. Crook had to make repeated calls and often fell victim to automated phone systems and long waits for information.
A spokesperson for the Welsh government offered an apology to families experiencing delays with death certificates, adding that the changes to the system were put in place for the protection of families, with the side effect of delays to the certification process. The statement also noted that the Welsh government is working with the NHS and medical examiners to understand the cause of the delays and to provide additional support to families affected
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