Losing someone close to you can be extremely distressing, and the steps between death and burial or cremation may feel overwhelming. This guide explains the death certification process in Wales and what to expect when someone passes away.
Step 1 – Before a Death Can Be Registered
A qualified clinician (such as a doctor, nurse, or paramedic) must confirm the death. The process may vary depending on where the person passed away.
Any doctor who saw the patient in person during their life (called the Attending Practitioner) will then refer the death either:
- To His Majesty’s Coroner for investigation, or
- To the Medical Examiner Service for Wales for independent review.
Deaths are referred to the Coroner for reasons such as:
- Accidents or trauma
- Suspected self-harm
- Unknown causes of death
Most deaths do not require referral to the Coroner. Even if the Coroner is informed, this doesn’t always mean there’s a problem or that a post-mortem will be carried out.
If the Coroner’s involvement is not required, the doctor will:
- Complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Send it, along with next of kin details and medical notes, to the Medical Examiner's Service
Step 2 – The Medical Examiner Service for Wales
The Medical Examiner Service independently reviews all deaths in Wales not referred to the Coroner. The service aims to:
- Improve public safety
- Ensure death certificates are accurate
- Reduce distress for grieving families
The Medical Examiner will:
- Review the deceased’s medical records
- Check if there were any issues with their care
- Speak with the next of kin or family to explain the cause of death and answer questions
If the family raises concerns, these may be passed on to the care provider or the Coroner for further investigation.
Step 3 – Sending the Certificate to the Registrar
Once the Medical Examiner has completed their review and countersigned the certificate, it is sent electronically to the Registrar in the local area where the death occurred.
The Medical Examiner's Service will also share the next of kin’s contact details with the Registrar to help arrange the registration appointment.
Step 4 – Registering the Death
Once the Registrar receives the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, an appointment can be booked to formally register the death. The aim is to complete registration within five days of receiving the certificate.
Step 5 – Planning the Funeral
Funeral arrangements can begin before the death is registered. Families may contact a Funeral Director to arrange visits to see their loved one, if possible.
After the death is registered, the Registrar will issue a green form, which gives the Funeral Director permission to carry out the burial or cremation.
Timescales in Wales
Everyone involved will work to register the death as quickly as possible. However, delays can occur due to:
- Access to medical records
- Family contact
- Seasonal demand
- Coroner investigations
The goal is to complete the certification process within nine days, though it may take longer in complex cases.
Additional Support
Coming to terms with a death can be very difficult. Everyone grieves differently, and some people may need extra support.
Cruse- bereavement support
Sandy bear - Specialist bereavement support for children and young people 0-25
UK Government website - Check what to do after a death - how to register the death, notify government departments and deal with the estate.