GovWire

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued a survey to professionals involved in the death management system in England and Wales to look at ways of reducing the volume of legally uncertified deaths.

The survey remained open for 5 weeks over June and July 2023. It asked respondents whether the period within which a medical practitioner attended a patient prior to death should continue to be specified and, if so, whether the current 28-day period should be retained or extended.

This report sets out an analysis of the responses received and is aimed at:

• NHS and social care organisations
• local government
• bereavement services
• the funeral industry
• professional and regulatory bodies
• religious or faith groups
• coroner services
• registration services
• healthcare professionals
• independent healthcare providers