FAQs
What are the key responsibilities of a Medical Examiner?
Medical Examiners are responsible for independently reviewing patient deaths, ensuring appropriate referrals to the coroner, reviewing Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs), and communicating with bereaved relatives about the cause of death.
What qualifications are required to become a Medical Examiner?
A Medical Examiner must be a practicing medical practitioner registered with the General Medical Council for a minimum of five years. It is recommended that they are either consultant-grade hospital doctors from various disciplines or experienced GPs.
How many weeks a year would a Medical Examiner be expected to work?
Successful candidates would be expected to work approximately 8 to 9 weeks a year, providing one 4-hour session for each working day during a Monday to Friday week.
Will there be any weekend or bank holiday work required?
Yes, Medical Examiners may be required to provide cover on occasional weekends and bank holidays, which is expected to be a rare occurrence, approximately 2-3 times per year.
What type of clinical knowledge is required for this role?
Medical Examiners must have up-to-date knowledge of medical conditions and treatments and be able to exercise judgment about when to seek specialist advice.
How does the Medical Examiner system promote safety and quality?
Medical Examiners facilitate routine analysis of MCCD information to identify trends, patterns, and unusual features of deaths, contributing to clinical governance and safety.
What organization will I be working with as a Medical Examiner?
You will be working with the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), which is England’s largest NHS Trust, encompassing multiple hospitals and community services.
How can I get more information or contact someone about this position?
For further details or informal visits, you can contact Professor Clifford Garratt, Chief Medical Examiner, via email at jenny.collins@mft.nhs.uk or by phone at 0161 291 3266. You can also reach out to Jenny Collins, Lead Medical Examiner's Officer, at 0161 291 6687 or jenny.collins@mft.nhs.uk for additional inquiries.