EVERY death from natural causes will be checked by a second doctor under planned reform to stop another Lucy Letby or Harold Shipman tragedy

Deaths from natural causes will be checked by a second doctor in a bid to prevent another Letby or Shipman case.

In a major overhaul to how deaths are certified, medical examiners will now scrutinise any that does not involve a coroner.

Officials say the move will ‘protect the public’ and ‘strengthen safeguards’ in the wake of the Lucy Letby baby murders.

A national system to cross-check all deaths was first recommended two decades ago at a public inquiry following the deaths of more than 200 people at the hands of GP Harold Shipman.

Following a series of delays, ministers have confirmed the reforms to ‘help prevent criminal activity and poor practice’ will come into effect from April next year.

In a major overhaul to how deaths are certified, medical examiners will now scrutinise any that does not involve a coroner. Officials say the move will ‘protect the public’ and ‘strengthen safeguards’ in the wake of the Lucy Letby (pictured) baby murders

Officials said the changes will see medical examiners scrutinise all deaths in England and Wales not referred to coroners, expanding the system from hospitals to include GPs certifying deaths in the community.

Health minister Maria Caulfield said: ‘It has taken time to get this right, but it was vital we had the backing of all involved in the process in order to make sure it protects people and supports bereaved families in the way they deserve.

‘Although abuse of the system is rare, what we are announcing today will be a significant step in preventing failures in the future.

‘I want to thank all those involved in the process – from medical professionals, to coroners, to registrars – for helping this government fulfil its promise of introducing a safer system of death certification.’

For years, Britain’s most prolific serial killer Shipman was able to escape detection by certifying patients he murdered as having died from natural causes, avoiding scrutiny by a coroner.

The announcement comes the same week Lucy Letby was struck off the nursing register, amid claims lives could have been saved if implemented sooner.

Letby, 33, was convicted of seven murders and seven attempted murders during her time as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester hospital between 2015 and 2016.

Although legislation was passed in 2009, hospitals only started using medical examiners in 2019, after Letby committed her crimes.

Professor Peter Furness, the former president of the Royal College of Pathologists, suggested many of Letby’s victims might have been saved if ministers had not delayed the key recommendation.

Medical examiners will be expected to confirm the proposed cause of death and the overall accuracy of the medical certificate, while supporting appropriate referrals to the coroner.

A national system to cross-check all deaths was first recommended two decades ago at a public inquiry following the deaths of more than 200 people at the hands of GP Harold Shipman (pictured) 

The proposed cause of death will also be discussed with families, giving people the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns about the death.

The changes had originally been due to be introduced earlier this year but were postponed.

Dr Suzy Lishman, of the Royal College of Pathologists, welcomed the ‘long-awaited death certification reforms.

She said: ‘Medical examiners are already scrutinising the majority of deaths in England and Wales, identifying concerns and helping improve care for patients and support for bereaved people.

‘The move to a statutory system in 2024 will further strengthen those safeguards, ensuring that all deaths are reviewed and the voices of all bereaved people are heard.’

National Medical Examiner Dr Alan Fletcher said: ‘The NHS is pleased the government is putting the work of medical examiners delivering independent scrutiny of all non-coronial deaths in England and Wales on a statutory footing in April 2024.

‘As the medical examiner system lead, I have witnessed the care medical examiners take to support bereaved people, increase safeguards, and identify opportunities to improve care.’

He added: ‘Medical examiners ensure that if bereaved people have concerns after their loss, these can be raised as easily as possible, which is why it is great to see this progress towards a comprehensive system.’