Job Summary
MEs are appropriately trained doctors who will verify clinical information on Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs) and ensure that the right referrals are made to the coroner for further investigation. A practicing medical practitioner who has been on the General Medical Council register for a minimum of five years post registration can apply to be a ME. It is recommended that medical examiners are consultant grade doctors from a range of disciplines (including GP principals). MEs will take a consistent approach to the formulation of MCCD content, which must be clinically accurate and reflect any discussions with the next of kin/informant. MEs must not have been involved in the care of the deceased patients for deaths they scrutinise.
Main duties
* To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current processes of certification, investigation (by coroners) and registration of deaths within a Local Authority area;
* To support those doctors who call for medical advice on suspected natural causes of death before they prepare an MCCD, and provide general medical advice to the coroner;
* Scrutinise the certified causes of all in-scope deaths in a way that is compliant with the proposed national protocol;
* Maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and undertake analysis and provide information as required to ONS & locally for clinical governance purposes;
* Explain to bereaved relatives causes of death in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner, which respects different faith, cultural, ethnic and diversity considerations;
* Support the training of junior doctors in completion of MCCDs and provide feedback on accuracy of certification locally.
Ensure compliance with the Medical Examiner Regulations (2024).
About Us and diversity
We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers. We actively 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. We would particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. If you require support with your application, please contact the recruitment team. We recognise that flexible working is important and will consider any reasonable requests where possible.
Benefits
* Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
* NHS pension scheme membership
* Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more
* NHS Staff discounts
* Cycle to work scheme
* Salary finance for loans, savings, budget planning and debt management
Details
Date posted: 03 March 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per year (pro rata)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 362-CONLABMED-03-26
Job locations: Stepping Hill/Macclesfield District General, Stockport/Macclesfield, SK2 7JE
Job responsibilities (expanded)
MEs are appropriately trained doctors who will verify clinical information on MCCDs and ensure the right referrals are made to the coroner for further investigation. A practicing medical practitioner who has been on the GMC register for a minimum of five years post-registration can apply to be a ME. It is recommended that medical examiners are consultant grade doctors from a range of disciplines (including GP principals). MEs will take a consistent approach to the formulation of MCCD content, reflecting discussions with the next of kin/informant. MEs must not have been involved in the care of the deceased patients for deaths they scrutinise.
The main duties of an ME include:
* To ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with certification, investigation (by coroners) and registration of deaths within a Local Authority area;
* To support doctors who seek medical advice on suspected natural causes of death before they prepare an MCCD, and provide general medical guidance to the coroner;
* To scrutinise the certified causes of all in-scope deaths in line with the national protocol;
* To maintain comprehensive records of all deaths scrutinised and provide information to ONS and locally for clinical governance purposes;
* To ensure compliance with the Medical Examiner Regulations (2024);
* To explain causes of death to bereaved relatives in a transparent, tactful and sympathetic manner, respecting diverse faith, cultural and ethnic backgrounds;
* To support training of junior doctors in MCCDs and provide feedback on certification accuracy.
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. If successful, a Standard DBS check will be required at a cost of £26.90, deducted from the first Trust salary. You will also be required to join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription of £16.
Person Specification
Education + Qualifications
* Must be registered with the GMC and 5 years post registration
* Completed ME learning modules
* A commitment to life-long learning and personal development
* The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the recently bereaved
Knowledge
* General knowledge of statutory death certification processes and how the ME system aligns with NHS initiatives
* Understanding of the structure of causes of death on an MCC
* Knowledge of diverse faith requirements and equality and diversity considerations following a death
* Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 and related legislation
* Understanding of the ME system within Bereavement Services or as a standalone office
* Understanding of natural and unnatural causes of death and when a coroner’s referral is required
* Knowledge of Medical Examiner Regulations 2024
Experience
* Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations
* Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multidisciplinary teams
* 5 years post-registration in clinical practice
Skills and abilities
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with empathy and professionalism in difficult situations
* Teamwork and collaboration
* IT proficiency and handling of sensitive data
* Proactive, self-motivated and organized
* Ability to work independently in an independent ME role
* Compassionate nature
Desirable
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
* Evidence of data analysis and interpretation
Disclosures
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). See notes on sponsorship and overseas checks in the original posting. This vacancy also references standard DBS checks and DBS update service requirements.
Employer details
Employer: Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Stepping Hill/Macclesfield District General, Stockport/Macclesfield, SK2 7JE
Employer's website: http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/
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