Medical Examiner Officer

The Medical Examiner Officer (MEO) plays a key role in supporting Medical Examiners to provide independent scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths within the Trust and community.

The service is seeking a motivated, organised and compassionate individual to join our Medical Examiner Service to work closely with Medical Examiners, prepare and process core documents involved in death certification, act as a source of expertise, advice and knowledge for relatives and health care professionals involved in the death certification process.

The postholder will also help to that ensure deaths are reviewed in a timely, transparent and consistent manner, enabling accurate completion of Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCD), improving mortality data quality and strengthening learning from deaths.

The MEO acts as a liaison between clinical teams, bereaved families, Coroner's Offices, Registration Services and funeral directors, ensuring the service operates with compassion, professionalism, and regulatory compliance. The role supports early identification of patient safety concerns, contributes to governance and audit processes, and promotes improvements in care.

The successful candidate would be joining an existing small and friendly team who are based at South Tyneside District Hospital. Training will be provided, although previous completion of e-learning Medical Examiner Officer training would be preferable., Act as primary point of contact for the Medical Examiner Service, working collaboratively with clinicians, Coroners, registration services and bereavement teams.

Co-ordinate the review and scrutiny of deaths in line with National Medical Examiner guidance.

Carry out the initial screening of electronic medical notes of deceased patients to identify cases that clearly require referral to Coroner or structured review, preparing cases for the Medical Examiner. A good working knowledge of medical terminology and clinical understanding is necessary.

Liaise sensitively and compassionately with the bereaved, providing information including agreed causes of death and gathering any concerns they have, actioning them accordingly.

Discuss findings of Medical Examiner reviews with qualified attending practitioners. This involves appropriate interpretation and negotiation with practitioners.

To maintain accurate records having due regard to legal aspects, confidentiality and managerial information/project requirements. Attention to detail is an important requirement.

Completion of the core 26 Medical Examiner e-learning modules developed by the Royal Society of Pathologists and one day face to face Medical Examiner Officer teaching.

The Medical Examiner Service office hours are 8-4. Given the role is 35 hours, there is flexibility around start and/or finish times which can be discussed although will depend on service requirements.

One Team One Trust
- There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our work forces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area.

We offer our staff outstanding benefits
- Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.