Deaths in England and Wales to be reviewed by senior doctor if not referred to coroner

John and Janice Hibbert with photographs of John's mother Hilda, a suspected victim of serial killer Harold Shipman. Photograph: DON McPHEE/The Guardian

The death certification system in England and Wales will get its biggest overhaul in decades next month, with a change designed to improve public protection.

Every death that has not been referred to a coroner will have to be referred to a medical examiner from 9 September, under regulations laid before parliament in April.