Summer 2017

Verifying and certifying death

ByDr Kathryn Leask

Published12 June 2017

Junior doctors are often tasked with signing medical certificates of cause of death (MCCDs) and cremation forms, so it's a good idea to become familiar with what you'll be expected to do. Dr Kathryn Leask explains the process.

You must be honest and trustworthy when signing forms and make sure that what you write is not false or misleading.

Review the notes carefully to ensure that you are able to establish the cause of death and any other relevant conditions.

Dr Kathryn Leask

Medico-legal adviser BSc (Hons) MBChB (Hons) LLB MA MRCPCH FFFLM RCPathME DMedEth

Kathryn has been a medico-legal adviser with the MDU since 2007 and is a team leader, trainer and mentor in the medical advisory department. Before joining the MDU, she worked in paediatrics gaining her MRCPCH in 2002 and holds a CCT in clinical genetics. She has an MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law, a Bachelor of Law and a Professional Doctorate in Medical Ethics. She is also a fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and has previously been an examiner and deputy chief examiner for the faculty. Kathryn is currently a member of the faculty’s training and education subcommittee and a member of the Royal College of Pathologists (medical examiner).