Question

A 75-year-old woman dies on the ward from presumed pneumonia. You were her attending doctor and reviewed her several times in the last days of life. Under UK law and guidance, what is the most appropriate action regarding death certification?

Accepted Answer

Complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death stating pneumonia as the cause, if satisfied to the best of your knowledge, and consider whether the death needs referral to the coroner

Answer

Decline to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death because you did not see the death occur

Answer

Ask the family to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

Answer

Complete the death certificate only after the funeral director has seen the body

Answer

Never refer any hospital deaths to the coroner

Practice question

A 75-year-old woman dies on the ward from presumed pneumonia. You were her attending doctor and reviewed her several times in the last days of life. Under UK law and guidance, what is the most appropriate action regarding death certification?