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11
In point of fact, however, about twenty-five thousand deaths
occur annually in England and Wales in cases where no registered
practitioners have attended during the last illness, and no inquest
is held. The duties of the Registrar are to enter the cause of
death in a weekly list of deaths, with the name and qualifications
of the medical practitioner. But, if an unqualified practitioner
has been in attendance, then the Registrar must obtain from the
friends of the deceased all information as to the supposed cause of
death, which he must insert in the register.
In all cases where any suspicious circumstances appear, it is the
duty of the Registrar to lay the matter before the Coroner before
registering the death.
The late Registrar-General suggests that, in all cases of
uncertified deaths, and deaths from causes suggesting suspicion
or neglect, there should be a preliminary inquiry as to the
supposed cause, to ensure the death being properly certified, or
that a more thorough investigation may be made of the case in
the form of an ordinary inquest afterwards. He further suggests
that the local Medical Officer of Health should be appointed
Medical Assessor to the Coroner.
I think that the Registration Act should bo so amended as to
enjoin upon Medical Officers of Health the duty of inquiry and
certification in all cases of uncertified deaths.
In the following statement I would direct your attention to the
ages of those who died during the year.