Written question WQ95789
- Asked by
- Paul DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What measures is the Welsh Government taking to reduce the timescale that some bereaved families are waiting to register deaths as a result of new rules and a law change in September 2024?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
I am sorry to those who have been bereaved and have experienced a delay in receiving a death certificate.
As you are aware reforms to the death certification process were introduced by the UK Government in September 2024.
To strengthen and support the process, my officials have put in place a series of strategic contingency meetings with all senior leaders involved in the death certification and management process to reduce delays.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales has also written to all care providers and medical practitioners to clarify the responsibilities of all staff and the action they must take to improve the accuracy and speed of death certification. He has also instructed all health boards to ensure information about the new death certification process and dedicated bereavement support services are available to families who have recently lost a loved one.