Death Certification

Click here to read common questions and answers on Death Certification arrangements in Scotland on Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s website. More information and educational resources on death certification and the review process (not related to COVID-19) are also available on this website. And you can click here to read the Scottish Government’s Funeral Industry News blog for the latest COVID-19 updates.

Guidance for completing COVID-19 related Medical Certificates of Cause of Death

The Death Certification Review Service (DCRS) have produced new guidance for doctors completing Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs) for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in Scotland.

For more information click here to read a joint letter 'Updated Guidance to Medical Practitioners for Death Certification during the COVID-19 Pandemic' from the Chief Medical Officer, Registrar General for Scotland and Keeper of the Records of Scotland, Crown Agent and Chief Executive of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Police Scotland.

If you have any further questions, please contact DCRS on 0300 123 1898 or his.dcrs@nhs.scot

 

DCRS COVID-19 guidance image

Deaths from COVID-19 disease in Scotland: Scenarios to support accurate death certification and reporting to Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service

 

This Scottish guidance has been produced by the team at the Death Certification Review Service, part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland. It is based on documents published by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Chief Medical Officer.

Registering a death in Scotland

Information and updates on the registration of death in Scotland, and how the process has changed in view of COVID-19 e.g. including remote registrations, can be found on the National Records of Scotland website

Click here for a leaflet on guidance for registering a death during the COVID-19 pandemic

Click here and scroll down for links to other sources of information & education for health and social care staff and information for those who are bereaved.