General practitioner expert witness group

The general practitioner medical examiner group aims to bring together College members, who are trained and acting as medical examiners.

Our aim

By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, the group aims to:

  • Identify those trained and acting as medical examiners.
  • Act as a source of advice to the College to respond to issues that arise or approaches that the College receives, concerning medical examiners and their work.
  • Help to facilitate discussions and learning opportunities.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders such as the lead College the Royal College of Pathologists and the replacement for NHS England and with Coroners.

Current work

As a newly established group, we are in the process of developing a comprehensive work plan. We welcome members to contribute their ideas and expertise to shape the group's initiatives.

Group members

Dr Frances Cranfield

She gave evidence at the Shipman Inquiry and has worked on a 25-year path to help to ensure an effective medical examiner system, putting the bereaved at the centre of the process.

She is senior partner in her general practice in Hertfordshire. She sits on Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners and is the RCGP national representative for medical examiners. She is an assistant coroner for Hertfordshire and a medical examiner for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation.

Group outputs

  • Peer support and knowledge sharing - establish a network for colleagues working as medical examiners to share experiences, challenges, and best practice.
  • Contribute to College policy and provide well informed consistent responses to offers seeking advice on matters concerning medical examiners.

Connect with us

If you would like more information or are interested in joining the medical examiner group, please contact advocates@rcgp.org.uk, and you will be connected with the relevant person.

We are also planning to set up RCGP medical examiner’s forum, where you can engage in discussions with other members. This forum provides a platform for continuous dialogue and knowledge sharing among members.