BLACKBURN with Darwen Council's customer services boss has welcomed government changes which mean all deaths in hospitals or any other health setting not investigated by a coroner will be reviewed by an independent senior doctor.

This will form part of the death certification reforms.

The borough's new 'Medical Examiners' will be based at Royal Blackburn Hospital and available at weekends and Bank Holidays during certain hours to certify death certificates.

Healthcare providers and family GPs will be required to share records of deceased patients with them.

The changes are part of a broader set of reforms to death certification, coroner and registration processes.

Cllr Mahfooz Hussain, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s customer services boss, said: "This new process is designed to offer greater transparency and support for bereaved families in our communities when they are dealing with the most difficult times.

"It will provide opportunities to raise questions or concerns with a senior doctor not directly involved in the care of their loved ones.

"Providing another layer of scrutiny will also help to identify and learn from issues in healthcare delivery and other circumstances surrounding deaths.

"As the local council, with responsibility for the registration of deaths, we are committed to supporting the successful implementation of these changes.

"We are working closely with Medical Examiners, healthcare providers and the wider community to ensure this new system is responsive, effective and compassionate.

"The council’s website has been updated with further details and contact information for anybody who may have further questions."