Overview
Job summary
To support Medical Examiners in their role in scrutinising the circumstances and causes of death. To be a point of contact and source of advice for relatives of deceased patients, healthcare professionals and Coroner and Registration services.
Main duties
* To act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patient's death. Work with Medical Examiners to aid them in their responsibility for overseeing the death certification process for all deceased patients in the organisation.
* To establish the circumstances of individual patient deaths by performing a preliminary review of medical records to identify clinical and circumstantial information, sourcing additional details where required, for scrutiny by the medical examiner.
* To assist in highlighting cases for assessment by the Structured Judgement Review team (SJR), Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), Clinical Governance teams and the Learning Disability Review Teams (LeDeR).
* To send Medical Certificate of cause of death (MCCD) to registration services and discuss causes of death with the bereaved.
* Maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of users of the medical examiner system to ensure equality to any particular group defined by sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
* The Medical Examiner Officer role supports the Medical Examiner team with the implementation of the service across Stockport, East Cheshire and High Peak.
About us / organisation values
We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and one of its largest employers. Our mission is to make a difference every day. Our values are that we care, we respect, and we listen. We encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Flexible working is welcomed where possible.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year pro rata per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time, Job share
Reference number: 362-A-25-7436628
Job locations: Stepping Hill Hospital / Macclesfield District General Hospital, Stockport / Macclesfield, SK2 7JE
Job responsibilities
The Medical Examiners Team is based at Stepping Hill Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital on a rota basis. We are a hard working, experienced team from a variety of backgrounds. You will be fully supported as you work to become accredited as an MEO. The role is highly responsible and demands close teamwork with the ME team, GPs and Bereavement Teams at both hospital trusts. The service has expanded to cover all natural deaths within Stockport, East Cheshire and High Peak.
* Act as an intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians to establish and resolve any concerns relating to a patient’s death.
* Work with Medical Examiners to oversee the death certification process for all deceased patients.
* Carry out the initial screening of medical notes to identify cases requiring referral to the coroner on ME approval.
* Establish the circumstances of deaths by preliminary review of medical records, sourcing additional details for scrutiny by the Medical Examiner.
* Work with the MEs to ensure proper and proportionate scrutiny of medical records.
* Discuss findings with qualified attending practitioners.
* Ensure any concerns raised by relatives are passed to the ME before the MCCD is released to relatives.
* Discuss the content of the MCCD with relatives and collect additional information as needed, including communicating sensitive information and explanations.
* To assist in highlighting cases for assessment by SJR, CDOP, Clinical Governance and LeDeR teams.
* Offer support and pastoral care to families and colleagues, facilitating effective communication between families and health care professionals alongside Bereavement Office staff.
* Assist relatives in identifying appropriate information and further advice and support (e.g., PALS contacts, Bereavement Office information).
* Establish clear channels for communicating and cooperating with all departments, wards and relevant professionals.
* Participate in the development and introduction of protocols, guidelines and policy as appropriate.
* Manage own workload to meet project timescales; monitor performance to ensure professional standards are met.
* Maintain awareness of diverse needs of users of the medical examiner system to ensure equality.
Management / Governance / Quality
* Provide documentation and quality data for audits and evaluation; provide surveillance data for leadership as required; attend departmental meetings.
* Maintain a safe environment and follow Trust Health and Safety and risk management policies.
* Follow the Trust complaints policy and share learning; initiate evidence-based practice and participate in audit activity.
* Maintain accurate records with regard to confidentiality and legal requirements; ensure professional registration and ongoing supervision/appraisal.
Knowledge, skills and experience
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Word).
* Ability to work across professional boundaries with medical staff in different specialties.
* Completed E-LfH MEO training (or within 3 months of start date).
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; empathetic and self-aware; understanding of medical terminology.
* Knowledge of statutory processes around death certification and how the medical examiner system aligns with NHS initiatives.
* Specialist knowledge of funeral wishes/practices across faith groups.
Communications
* Act as intermediary between the bereaved and clinicians; deal with bereaved families who may have barriers to understanding due to grief or disability.
* Understand medical terminology to enable informed discussions about causes/circumstances of death with bereaved families, clinicians, coroner and registration service staff.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
DBS/Disclosures: This post may require Standard DBS check; cost may be deducted from salary. DBS update service may be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers requiring skilled worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered; guidance on overseas criminal records checks is provided in policy.
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