Protocol for Death Certificates

Information for relatives

We have been asked to read you the following so that you are fully informed.

"It can take some time to process and complete a death certificate following a death. A death certificate is a legal document and can only be completed by a doctor who has met the deceased or in discussion with a coroner. Not all doctors work full-time and sometimes the necessary doctor is not immediately available. If the certificate needs to be discussed with the coroner this process can sometimes take a few days. The surgery will ensure your death certificate is available as soon as possible but it is important that you are aware that is may take up to 5 working days. We will inform you when the certificate is ready for completion."