Retention for completed MCCD

We recently received a query about the retention requirements for completed MCCD (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death) certificates that had been sent electronically to the medical examiner.

Our colleagues in NHSE IG sent us the following link that provides guidance for GP practices about when to order more MCCDs and what to do with completed MCCDs: Ordering and retaining medical certificates of cause of death (MCCDs) – GOV.UK.

It contains the following guidance:

Retaining the completed MCCD

Many GPs, hospitals, hospices and medical examiner offices scan the completed MCCD before emailing it to their medical examiner office, coroner or register office. You must securely store the paper copy of the completed MCCD and any partially completed MCCDs.

GPs, hospitals, hospices and medical examiner offices must keep completed counterfoils for 2 years in line with NHS England’s Records Management Code of Practice.

Further guidance on the retention of completed and partially completed MCCDs will be published in 2025.

DHSC is asking all organisations that use Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCDs) to review their stocks now and to order any additional supplies as soon as possible to ensure they have sufficient MCCDs to last through the winter. All organisations are encouraged to check they are clear on the ordering process and they have their unique password.