Question

A 72-year-old woman dies on the medical ward following a short admission with a massive intracerebral haemorrhage. You were involved in her care and are confident of the diagnosis. There were no suspicious circumstances. Under current guidance in England and Wales, who should complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)?

Accepted Answer

Any medical practitioner who has attended the deceased and can state the cause of death to the best of their knowledge, provided the case does not need referral to the coroner

Answer

Any junior doctor on the ward, regardless of whether they have reviewed the patient

Answer

Only the patient’s GP

Answer

Only a consultant who has seen the patient at least twice during this admission

Answer

A medical examiner, who now completes all MCCDs instead of treating clinicians

Practice question