New changes to the death certification process – the first in 50 years – have been introduced across England and Wales. They have taken effect since 9 September, and mark important changes to the way things are done.
Although widely called for from certain areas, some communities have important religious practices that have led to concerns over the practicalities of the new regulations.
One issue of key importance is potential delays- for example, traditionally in Muslim communities the deceased should be buried ideally within 24 hours but at the very latest within 3 days after death.
The new regulations are designed to provide independent scrutiny and ensuring accuracy over the cause of death for a person. The changes are aimed at strengthening safeguards, providing support to families, and to help prevent criminal activity.
The need for urgent reforms to the old system has been highlighted in several reports – including the Shipman Inquiry third report.
The changes mainly revolve around introducing reviews by NHS medical examiners, who will review the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death before submission to the registrar. There are also reforms to death certification itself, designed to make the process safer and more efficient.
Asian Standard spoke with key voices in religious burial services, to get their views and perspectives on how the changes will affect different faith communities.
Samer Mansour is the Director of Funerals at The London Central Mosque Trust. He gave his perspective: “I think it is overall a positive move, but the legislation is a bit complicated. We will see what happens.
“I know that it is difficult, but it is for the good of everyone – it is a good solution.”
Mr Mansour went on to explain that despite the difficulties and issues with the practicalities of the new process, in the long run, it could lead to the process becoming more practical overall – ultimately helping with Islamic burial traditions, not hindering them.
Indian Funeral Directors have been serving the Asian community since 1984. Speaking to Asian Standard Managing Director, Mr Sanjay Shah, discussed how the regulation changes have affected the Hindu Community – something that they are very experienced with.
“This is an easier way as there is only a medical examiner involved.
“It’s definitely for the better as in better of having paperwork issues, it’s a faster way without delays.
“Of all the families that I have talked to, they are all for the idea, and it is a much faster way of getting things done – especially for the Hindu community because the timeline for having a cremation done has improved by having this new system in place.
“There have been a few teething problems, for instance, there are new forms that are different from what we are used to, however, the forms are simplified and hopefully, within a few weeks, we will get used to them.
“From the point of view of the Hindi community, the new system can help get cremations done quickly. There is nothing in the Hindu religion that says the cremation has to be done in 24 hours, but it does say that it should be done asap, and the new regulations can help with that belief.”
Manpreet Singh is the owner and funeral director of Southall Sikh funerals.
“It is a positive thing; I view any changes as good. People who have an issue with the changes are stuck in their ways.” he told Asian Standard
“The Sikh community want a simple and respectful ceremony done quickly with no fuss. Out of the many different religions, it is one of the most straightforward to do. Sikhs do their mourning in private, it’s a very private matter. So, the new changes have not affected them.”
The Jewish community in a similar way to the Islamic community, emphasize a prompt burial, ideally within 24 hours. Speaking to Asian Standard Ashley Calo, owner of Calo’s Funeral directors, who service the Jewish community in London said: “It’s been fifty-fifty at the moment. We are hoping that over the next week or so, when everyone takes in the new differences, it becomes smoother.
“There has been an issue with the delay of the medical examiner. Sometimes the paperwork has caused a delay, in the time it takes to sign both forms off and send them to the registrar.
“The main problem is that it has been introduced too quickly. It should have been implemented a while ago, and slowly brought in, instead of changing it on the day. I think that if it had been introduced over three or four months, showing how it would be changed and progressing slowly but surely, by now it would be on schedule and everything running smoother.
“We try and bury it the same day. Normally it’s under twelve hours, but this has caused delays of up to twenty-four to twenty-six hours. Jewish tradition says that if you pass away you need to be buried before sunset of that day – excluding Saturdays, as that is the day of rest or Sabbath.”
Asked if the delays caused by the sudden change of regulation have caused any distress, he commented:
“We are dealing with two families at the moment that are distraught about the delays – but it is completely out of our hands there is nothing that we can do in this period.”
Asked whether the new regulations will ultimately be of benefit, he answered,
“It’s too early to say. Only time will tell.”
