Death Certification

In this episode, Gary Clearwater discusses certifying death and completing the required documentation in NZ for individuals aged >28 days old. This includes death following assisted dying. If cremation is requested, a cremation certificate must also be completed.

Topics

Intro
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The Burial and Cremation Act 1964
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Medical certificate of cause of death (HP4720)
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What must happen before completing the form?
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Confirming identity
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When to report to the coroner
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Do you need to view the body to be able to complete the form?
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What is the time frame for completing the MCCD form?
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What is the cause of death?
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Section A - direct cause of death
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The interval between onset and death.
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Part 2 Cause of death - listing reasons
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Notifiable infectious diseases
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Place of death
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Getting help with the form
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Cremation - separate form b
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Access to medical notes
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When can the body be moved?
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Additional situations to be aware of
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Take-home messages
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Take home messages

It still matters after the person is dead.
Just be aware that there are traps.
Think about, where will you turn to find support?

Resources

Guidance on burial, cremation and death documents Te Whatu Ora

Presenter

Gary Clearwater

Chief Clinical Advisor - Ministry of Justice

Gary is the Chief Clinical Advisor for the Coronial services at the Ministry of Justice and has broad medical experience, including General Practice, Urgent Care, and Emergency Medicine.

Gary has worked for more than 20 years as a medical referee for cremations, and he has a special interest in death certification. He also works part-time as an Emergency Medicine specialist.

Gary worked as a part-time Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, setting up the Diploma for Community Emergency Medicine.

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The Goodfellow Unit podcast is funded in part by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.