Bereavement Advice

Oxfordshire Medical Examiners Office

Medical Examiners
A Medical Examiner is an independent senior doctor. Their role is to review the medical records of your loved one and occasionally have a discussion with the GP to agree the cause of death for the Medical Certificate (MCCD).  Once the Medical Examiner Service has received the referral from the GP, you will be contacted by the Medical Examiner Officer (MEO). They will offer their condolences and give you the opportunity to ask any questions, raise any concerns you may have about the care your loved one received and/or highlight excellence.

During the conversation, they will share with you the proposed cause of death that the GP and Medical Examiner have agreed or, if a Coroner’s referral is required, they will advise you what will happen next.  If they are able to issue the Medical Certificate they will advise you:
• When the certificate has been completed
• How Registration Services will contact you to book your appointment to collect the death certificate/s.

medical examiner

Useful contact details:

Medical Examiner Office - Tel: 01865 221 939
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (excluding weekends and bank holidays)

OUH Switchboard - Tel: 0300 304 7777

Oxford Coroner’s Office - Tel: 01865 815 020

Oxford Registration Services - Tel: 01865 519 800

OUH PALS - Tel: 01865 221 473

National Bereavement Service

Every bereavement is different and there are different processes dependent on your circumstances.

Telephone: 0800 0246 121

Website: www.nationalbereavementservice.org

Bereavement Advice - NHS

For help and advice on coping with the death of a loved one, follow the NHS links below.

What is Bereavement - Mind

Provides information on bereavement, where to go for support, and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.

Website: Mind - Bereavement

What To Do After Someone Dies

Page last reviewed: 23 July 2025
Page created: 21 July 2021