Hospital post mortem

Once the Coroner has considered this evidence, there may be a hearing. This is a fact finding hearing, not to apportion blame, but to answer the above 4 questions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The Coroner will then record a conclusion, such as natural causes of suicide.

Whilst the aim is for this process to conclude within 6 months of the patient’s death, it can sometimes take longer. You will be kept up to date by the Coroner’s officer and the Trust.

After a MCCD has been issued, the hospital doctors may occasionally ask your permission to perform a hospital post mortem. This is usually to find out more about the illness or disease that caused the death.

A doctor will give you a full explanation of what may be involved in the hospital post mortem. You are then free to agree to or decline the request.

Patient property

If the deceased patient has property or clothing on the ward which is not taken by relatives at the time of death, we will discuss arrangements for returning the property to you and for disposing of any unwanted property.

Jewellery (for example wedding rings, earrings) is usually left on the deceased patient unless family request otherwise and will go to the funeral director where it is removed if requested.

It is important that you agree the arrangements for the return or disposal of patient property with the Patient Affairs Office. Any property not collected after 4 months will be disposed of without recourse to the Trust.