Help & Information

The Coroner

Coroners are independent judicial officials, responsible for investigating deaths that may not have natural causes or when the cause is unknown. Some coroners are doctors; however the majority of coroners are lawyers.

The role of a coroner's officer

Coroners' officers work under the direction of coroners and liaise with bereaved families, the police, doctors, witnesses and funeral directors. They receive reports of deaths and make inquiries at the direction, and on behalf of, a coroner.

Are all deaths reported to a coroner?

No, not all deaths need to be reported. In many cases the deceased's own doctor, or a hospital doctor who has been treating him or her during the final illness, is able to issue a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) without reference to a coroner.

The death can then be registered by the registrar of births and deaths, who will issue the death certificate. Sometimes doctors may discuss the case with the coroner and this may result in the coroner deciding that he or she does not need to make further inquiries because the death is from natural causes. In the light of that discussion the doctor concerned may be able to issue the MCCD and the coroner will issue a certificate to the registrar stating that it is not necessary to hold an inquest.

However, if the coroner has decided to investigate a death the registrar of births and deaths must wait for the coroner to finish his or her inquiries before the death can be registered. These inquiries may take time, so it is always best to contact the coroner's office before any funeral arrangements are made. In many cases the decision to investigate will not hold up funeral arrangements.

When is a death reported to a coroner?

Registrars of births and deaths, doctors or the police report deaths to a coroner in certain circumstances. These include where it appears that:

• no doctor attended the deceased during his or her last illness;
• the deceased was not seen either within 14 days before death nor after death;
• the cause of death appears to be unknown;
• the death occurred during an operation or before recovery from the the effects of an anaesthetic;
• the death was due to an industrial accident, disease or popoisoning;
• the death was sudden or unexpected;
• the death was unnatural;
• the death was due to violence or neglect;
• the death was in other suspicious circumstances;
• the death occurred in prison or police custody.

What will a coroner do when a death is reported?

The coroner may decide that a post-mortem examination and inquest are unnecessary because the cause of death is evident, and there is a doctor who can sign an Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) to that effect. In such cases the coroner will advise the registrar of births and deaths that no further investigation is needed.

Coroner's post-mortem examination

A post-mortem examination is a medical examination of a body, carried out for a coroner by a pathologist of the coroner's choice, in order to establish the cause of death.

This is the most common type of post-mortem examination, ordered by the coroner to find out why someone has died.

This is usually when the death is unexpected or the result of an accident, suicide or suspicious circumstances or if the death happened very soon after admission to hospital or after a medical or surgical procedure.

The next of kin will be informed, but in these circumstances the post mortem examination is a legal requirement and the consent of next of kin is not required. It is possible for the family to have a medical representative at the post mortem, but most families do not feel that this is necessary. You should tell the coroner's officer as soon as possible if you think you need to arrange this - and explain your reasons.

You should also tell the coroner or coroner's officer if you have strong objections to a post mortem examination on grounds of religion or culture. Do also speak with your own religious or cultural authorities as they will be familiar with the law and able to guide you.

Where does it happen?

Post-mortem examinations are carried out in purpose-built premises known as mortuaries. These are usually part of a large hospital, but in some major cities there are also public mortuaries.

Who carries it out?

A post-mortem examination is carried out by a pathologist; a specially trained doctor who can diagnose disease by looking at tissues and cells. The pathologist is assisted by anatomical pathology technologists, who are also trained professionals.

Post-mortem examination report

This report gives details of the examination made of the body, and is sent to the coroner by the person who carried out the post-mortem examination. It may also give details of any tests which have been carried out to help determine the cause of death. Copies of the report are normally available only to relevant interested persons. A fee for the copies may be payable.

A coroner may dispense with an inquest after a post-mortem examination if he or she thinks an inquest is unnecessary and there is no reason to suspect that the person died a violent or unnatural death, and they did not die in prison. The coroner will release the body for the funeral and send a form to the registrar of births and deaths stating the cause of death as disclosed by the post-mortem examination report, so that the death can then be registered.

Generally this will happen when the post-mortem examination establishes that the person died of natural causes and the coroner decides no further investigation into the death is necessary.

Registering the death

Once you have received a medical certificate of death you will need to register the death within five days.

This has to be done at the local Register Office for the area where the person died (all visits to the Register Office are by appointment only).

When registering the death you will need to take with you:

• The medical certificate of death
• Birth certificate or passport and if possible any change of name documents ie. Change of Name deed or Statutory Declaration.
• This should help in giving the full name and surname, date and place of birth (and the maiden surname if the deceased was a wowoman who had married).
• The occupation of the deceased, full name and surname of husband or wife, widow or widower or surviving civil partner and th their occupation.
• The deceased's usual address at the time of the death.
• If the deceased was married / civil partnered, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower or surviving civil partner.
• Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from government funds.

If there are any details you are not sure about, the registrar will advise you.

Arranging the funeral

It is advisable to contact a funeral director of your choice as soon as possible to discuss arrangements for the funeral. You do not have to postpone this because there is to be a post mortem, as this should not delay the funeral except in exceptional circumstances.

Additional Information

The following people/departments should be informed of the death as soon as possible.

• The deceased's family doctor.
• Any hospital the deceased was attending.
• Inform the Community Equipment Store to return any nursing equipment

In due course you should inform the following relevant departments and return these items if they are in the name of the deceased.

• Car registration documents, for the change of ownership to be recorded.
• The deceased's driving licence (to the DVLC, Swansea, SA99 TBN).
• The deceased's passport to the Passport Office for your area, you will find the address at the Post Office.
• Season tickets for any refund due, membership cards for clubs and associations.
• Library books and tickets.
• TV licence.
• Catalogues and subscriptions.

Allowances

You may be entitled to a Department of Work and Pensions allowance, therefore you are advised to contact Job Centre Plus for advice.

Website: www.gov.uk

Talking to Children about Death

A child’s understanding will depend on age, maturity and previous experiences. As a general rule it is important to stress that death occurs when a person’s body stops working. It is important that you try to help your children to understand what is happening, keeping them involved will help them in the long term.

Where should I tell the children

If there is a quiet room or area where you can speak privately. It maybe helpful to have another adult with you who can support you all if needed. If you are at home choose a familiar and quiet area of your home where you can give your child your full attention without distractions. Try to avoid bedtimes if at all possible.

When talking to children about death it is helpful to find time as soon as possible after the death. Give the child the facts in a simple manner, using appropriate words such as dead and death rather than lost or sleeping. Also give the child permission to ask questions. It is helpful for adults to share feelings of sadness with children. By doing this children will learn that it is usual to cry when someone dies, and they will know that it is natural for them to cry too.