My grt aunt Ellen

[Forestandtree]

I recently received death cert of G.A.Ellen who died North Curry Somerset 11 July 1870 aged 17.  Cause of death states ? Cerebro spinal fever 14 days certified.   I am wondering if anyone can throw a light on what the '14 days certified' means, please.     M.

[hanes teulu]

A death should be registered within 5 days but registration can be delayed for another 9 days if the registrar has been told that a medical certificate has been issued.

Could it have something to do with this 14 day period?

[Forestandtree]

Many thanks/Diolch Hanes Teulu.      Do you think that there would be a copy of a medical cert. out there somewhere in someone's records:    highly unlikely, but a fascinating thought.   M

[hanes teulu]

Croeso.

I checked for a burial record (occasionally the Minister might add a note to an entry) but the image is not available on line - only a transcription (basic details).

[KGarrad]

I think the wording refers to the fact that she has been certified by the doctor to have had the fever for 14 days, before death.

[Forestandtree]

Thanks KGarrad - an interesting theory.

[Forestandtree]

To Hanes Teulu        what info did you insert please to get your resulting transcription.     M

[AntonyMMM]

KGarrard is correct - the 14 days is the duration of the illness.

Do you think that there would be a copy of a medical cert. out there somewhere in someone's records:    highly unlikely, but a fascinating thought.   M

The medical cert (called  the MCCD - Medical Certificate of Cause of Death) is retained by the registrar, but  most of the information on it is repeated on the register entry so wouldn't help with any research.

Most doctors don't fill in the duration of illness column any more, and even if they do it is no longer included on the register entry.

[majm]

I think the wording refers to the fact that she has been certified by the doctor to have had the fever for 14 days, before death.

I agree too,.

New South Wales (Australia) death certs include the info about how long for the illness, and the person who provides that response is the medico, who "certifies" the accuracy of that response to that specific question.

JM